Australia will welcome back Kurtley Beale in the final match of the June international test series against Wales. Despite being charged with assault, Beale was bought in at fullback by coach Deans and should prove a handful running off the in-form Berrick Barnes.
The Welsh will look to put the heartache of last week’s test behind them, and continue with the style and tenacity they showed in that match. With Warren Gatland’s input this week they will have no doubt learnt a great deal from last week’s loss. Expect the young Welsh side to show more consistent dominance and do more to keep the Wallabies from taking control of the match.
As always, the likes of Digby Ioane, and Will Genia should be a handful to contain on attack, while Deans will look to his mid-field to put up a defensive wall and prevent a repeat of last week when the Welsh scored the opening try.
Wales will speak to the referee ahead of this weekend’s match in regard to the break down where they believe the Australians maybe manipulating the tackled player illegally. Wallaby captain, and arguably the world’s best ball thief David Pocock will likely attract extra attention at the clean out.
Wales will look to their own captain Sam Warburton after he lifted his own game in the second test to show much more leadership and influence. In spite of his youth, Warburton is one of the best leaders in rugby today. If he and his team can maintain their best for longer periods throughout the third test, they’ll position themselves to not only match the Australians as they did last week, but better them.
Australia will enter the match with their trademark confidence. But this team, which may be one of the most gifted Wallaby teams in terms of talent and attacking flair, can be equally inconsistent. Composure and that usually unbreakable Aussie self-belief seem to come and go.
If Wales can maintain their own composure, put their bodies into hard tackles, and prevent the likes of Barnes and Genia from making it over the advantage line, they could rattle the Australians much like the Irish did at Eden Park during the World Cup.