Autumn Internationals: Wales v Australia
This time last year there was widespread criticism about the over-emphasis of kicking in rugby union after a series of uninspiring autumn internationals.
Entertainment levels had hit a new low, supporters were becoming disillusioned with the sport, and running rugby was beginning to feel like a distant memory from the good old days.
That was until February, anyway, when refereeing interpretations at the breakdown were eventually revised. The results were telling: rugby union had managed to rediscover its excitement.
Subsequently, there’s been much buzz in the build-up to the latest batch of autumn Tests - particularly with regards to Saturday afternoon’s match between Wales and in-form Australia.
The Wallabies stunned New Zealand last weekend in Hong Kong – ending a 10-match losing streak against the All Blacks – thanks to a dramatic 26-24 victory. James O’Connor was the hero, converting his own injury-time try, and he’ll pose a big threat to the Welsh this Saturday.
As will the likes of Matt Gitaeu and playmaker Quade Cooper, who continues cementing his reputation as one of the brightest talents in the game. The 22-year-old scored against New Zealand last weekend, and is expected to prove a handful for Warren Gatland’s injury-hit side.
However, the Welsh are confident in their own abilities, despite the fact they’ll be missing several key players in Cardiff this weekend and haven’t won since the final match of the 2010 Six Nations against Italy.
"When we get ball we'll have a crack at them, absolutely," defence coach Shaun Edwards told the BBC. "That's not to say we won't kick when needed - if we just ran everything that would be suicidal.
"They are an incredibly difficult team to try to defend against, but we are up for the challenge and very determined to redress what happened against them the last time we played."
With only three players above the age of 30 in the starting line-up, Wales will field an inexperienced XV against the potentially-formidable Australians.
Therefore, if they manage to hold their own at the Millennium Stadium, it would be a hugely-encouraging sign ahead of the forthcoming Six Nations and, of course, the 2011 World Cup.
Meanwhile, Ireland take on South Africa at the redeveloped Aviva Stadium – their first Test opponents at the new Dublin-based arena.
And the hosts were handed some welcome news earlier this week after it was confirmed that talismanic captain Brian O’Driscoll will be fit to play on Saturday afternoon. The 31-year-old has been injured since the beginning of last month with a hamstring problem, but will return this weekend to help inspire his side to their first Test victory since the end of the 2010 Six Nations.
It’s Jonathan Sexton who has been chosen to start at fly-half for Declan Kidney’s side, though, ahead of Ronan O’Gara. The 25-year-old will line-up alongside Leinster teammate Eoin Reddan at half-back.
Gordon D'Arcy is also in the starting line-up, and he will win his 50th cap against the Springboks. The 30-year-old centre believes that in order to avoid being bullied by the aggressive South Africa, he and his teammates will need to remain strong and stand up to their opponents.
"The only way to face these guys is to stand toe to toe with them," D’Arcy said.
"If there is any bullying to be done, we will do it."
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