Wales search for twin peak
WARREN GATLAND hopes playing a more expansive game will be the key to ending their Wallaby hoodoo at the Principality Stadium today.
Wales will aim to secure a first win since 2008 over Australia after a run of 12 straight defeats.
But the odds are stacked against them. Australia are firm favourites, with the Welsh – who have been hit by back-row injuries – embarking on something of a new era as they try to back up Gatland’s claim they can be genuine World Cup contenders in 2019. The coach has named twin playmakers in midfield and has talked of his determination to play a wider game.
To do that and remain in the match, Wales must start well. That is something they notoriously fail to do, having never won an opening November Test since Gatland became head coach in 2007.
“We aren’t trying to reinvent the wheel, it’s just about having more options going forward,” said Owen Williams, who starts at inside centre alongside fly-half Dan Biggar.
“The way we play may be slightly different to what Wales have done in the past few years and it’s nice to get the opportunity. I didn’t think my first start at home would be at No 12, but I’m happy to play there.
“I’ve played there quite a few times for Leicester and Gloucester and I’m comfortable in the role.”
Talk of Wales’ new approach has dominated this build-up and means Williams’ combination with Biggar and No13 Jonathan Davies will be closely watched.
Much is expected of the Gloucester player but it would be unfair to demand too much from a man who will be making only his
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second international appearance and first Test start. Williams, wing Steffan Evans and flankers Josh Navidi and Aaron Shingler have just 16 caps between them.
Australia, by contrast, are hugely experienced and in fine form too. Williams hopes his past relationship with Davies, whom he played with at Scarlets before heading to England, can help him settle in. “Jonathan is a class player. He showed that on the Lions tour, he is very smart and has been very helpful throughout the week,” said Williams. “He is a good communicator and has made things a lot easier. We last played together five years ago when I was coming through at the Scarlets.”
Wales were hammered 32-8 by Australia this time last year and the Wallabies have beaten New Zealand and thrashed Japan in their past two games.
Michael Cheika’s side were laughing and joking in their warm-up session yesterday, cracking jokes as they posed for a team picture. This is a team full of confidence.
The Wallabies are sure to challenge what is a physically small Wales side at both the gain line and the breakdown. For all the attacking intent, Gatland lacks turnover specialists with Sam Warburton and Justin Tipuric out injured.
Visiting centres Samu Kerevi and Tevita Kuridrani are sure to go hard early on. “I’m being thrown in the deep end and I guess it is sink or swim,” said Williams. “I’m looking forward to it. I’ve just got to try to block out the crowd and concentrate on my job.
“Australia score some unbelievable tries. We have got to be clinical and can’t concede any soft points.”
Wales will have to match Aussie skipper Michael Hooper at the breakdown. Failure to do so will give visiting half-backs Will Genia and Bernard Foley the time to cause havoc. Hooper said: “I don’t know a huge amount about the Wales back row, but they get through a lot of work and always produce top players in that area.
“We are pumped, ready, and couldn’t be better. It’s going to be a massive game in front of a huge crowd.”