New-look Wales bid to end Wallaby losing streak
>> CARDIFF: Warren Gatland is banking on increased finesse behind the scrum to help end Wales’s desperate run of defeats by Australia when the two sides meet at Cardiff’s Principality Stadium today.
This week marks the New Zealander’s tenth anniversary as Wales coach and Gatland would love nothing more than for the side to halt a run of 12 successive losses to the Wallabies, with the last Welsh win against Australia back in 2008.
For much of his time in charge, Wales’s back-play has been built on bursting through the gainline, with inside centre Jamie Roberts the crashball carrier of choice — the so-called ‘Warrenball’ approach.
But experienced midfielder Roberts is not even on the bench this weekend, with Gatland rolling the dice by pairing Owen Williams at inside centre alongside fly-half Dan Biggar in a twin playmaker system.
Wing Steffan Evans and flankers Josh Navidi and Aaron Shingler will also start, with captain Alun Wyn Jones one of seven British and Irish Lions in the home side.
“We have had our ups and downs in that 10-year period,” Gatland said. “Now we’re going to change the way we play a little bit.”
“Australia have a massive midfield and two direct wings so I don’t think they’re going to be too worried about throwing the ball around. I think they’re going to be pretty direct.
“For us the result is important, we want to win every game,” insisted Gatland, who has urged supporters to be patient with his side as they adapt to their new style of play which the coach hopes will stand them in good stead for the 2019 World Cup in Japan.
Australia, who have beaten Japan and New Zealand in their last two games, will arrive in in fine form, with Michael Cheika’s side captained by flanker Michael Hooper. “I’ve seen the new guys Wales have picked and they are quality players,” said Cheika. “Debutants give you a certain power and they can change a side.”