Australia v Wales
Sydney - 14 June 2003

This could get embarrassing. For the Wallabies, I mean. Such is the lamentable state of Welsh rugby that anything less than a complete thumping will be viewed as a disaster.

The good news is that a thumping is definitely on the cards. But the Welsh, as well all know, are a proud people with a proud rugby heritage. They are capable of summoning something special, as they very nearly did against Ireland in the Six Nations. Though victory, let's face it, is highly unlikely, a moral victory could definitely be claimed if they get within ten of the Wallabies.

Fortunately, the Wallabies escaped the match against Ireland with only a couple of injuries - Wendell Sailor (ribs), who seems likely to play, and George Smith (neck), who will miss the next two tests. Australia loses nothing with Phil Waugh coming in for Smith, and this replacement has the added bonus of allowing Eddie Jones to blood the Next Big Thing of Australian rugby, Daniel Heenan, at Test match level from the bench. Let's hope the Wallabies again escape with health intact so that they can play England at close to full strength.

It will be interesting to see whether Wales is inclined or - for that matter - able to replicate the defensive strategy implemented by Ireland with reasonable success last weekend. If so, the Wallabies may again be hard pressed to involve their back three of Latham, Sailor and Roff, plus new boy Morgan Turinui, who didn't get to show his wares against the Irish.

Once again, this macth should prove to be nothing more than a training run for the Wallabies ahead of their more meaningful Test against England on the 21st in Melbourne. It will be a success if the lineout problems are ironed out, and if the whole backline can be involved in a couple of tries. And provided, of course, that the Wallabies win by at least 50. No sweat.

- Dan Fowell

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