The Wallabies – who have claimed the sport’s biggest prize on two separate occasions – have always been a tough proposition.
It is no different in 2019, but Wales can take confidence from the fact the last time the two met it was Warren Gatland’s side who edged a tight battle 9-6 in Cardiff in November 2018.
Michael Cheika has made four changes to his starting side ahead of the match at Tokyo Stadium, with Will Genia and Bernard Foley reuniting in the half-backs, while Dane Haylett-Petty will wear the number 15 jersey as Kurtley Beale shifts to the bench.
One of the brightest stars of Australian rugby, Beale will nonetheless be eager to get on the pitch in the Japanese capital. “As a player you always look forward to playing Wales,” said the former Wasps man.
“As nations we bring the best out of each other. They’re always great contests. We’ve got a lot of respect for each other and that will be no different this week.
“They’ve got off to a flying start and we’re well aware of their threats. It’ll be another great opportunity for both teams to go at each other and hopefully put on a great spectacle for rugby fans.
“You just look forward to these weeks. For some reason whenever we play Wales it just brings out the best in us, but we understand we have a lot to improve on.
“It just adds to the occasion and the build-up. Everyone is excited for this match and we can’t wait.”
Beale, 30, has 88 Test caps and scored crucial tries in Cardiff in both 2012 and 2017 to give Australia crucial victories over Wales.
The Wallabies have won 13 of their last 14 matches with Wales dating back to 2008 and all have been incredibly close encounters.
When you analyse the present day Australia side it is clear Michael Cheika’s men are playing some fine rugby even without star man Israel Folau.
In the Rugby Championship they brushed New Zealand aside playing some enterprising rugby even though the All Blacks had been reduced to 14 men.
Australia’s attacking game is particularly potent with the likes of Beale, James O’Connor, Tevita Kuridrani and Marika Koroibete in their backline.
Cheika has two fine scrum-halves to choose from in Will Genia and Nic White with the inspirational cancer survivor Christian Lealiifano and Bernard Foley the playmaker options.
Wing Reece Hodge won’t face Wales after receiving a suspension for the rest of Australia’s pool games for a dangerous tackle on Fiji’s Peceli Yato, but Dane Haylett-Petty is a fine replacement.
“I feel like the Welsh defence has gone up another level,” said Beale. “All teams are focusing on their defence across the tournament so they’ll be a little harder to crack.
“It will always go down to the wire. We know that and we’re prepared for it. It’s up to the team who wants it the most and who is willing to go for the full 80 minutes.
“The World Cup is a different beast. It’s as simple as that. The pressure and intensity of World Cup rugby definitely comes into it and it’s a matter of which team can handle that best.”
Australia were too good for Fiji in their first game while Wales thrashed Georgia 43-14.
After Fiji’s shock defeat to Uruguay on Wednesday the winner of Sunday’s clash at Tokyo Stadium is set to finish as the winner of Pool D. There is a lot on the line for both teams.
“Wales have a really good back line to run the ball with Jonathan Davies, Leigh Halfpenny and Liam Williams at the back. There are a lot of threats there we’re well aware of,” said Beale. “We’re not getting ahead of ourselves. In my experience in World Cups that’s definitely been a big focus for us.
“I really enjoy playing against Wales and they’re a quality team. They’ve been consistent over the last Six Nations. They got us last year and the battles are always epic. They’re a joy to play in.
“It will be no different this weekend.”
Wallabies team to play Wales at Tokyo Stadium, Tokyo on Sunday 29 September
15. Dane Haylett-Petty (34 Tests)
14. Adam Ashley-Cooper (119 Tests)
13. James O’Connor (49 Tests)
12. Samu Kerevi (vc) (30 Tests)
11. Marika Koroibete (25 Tests)
10. Bernard Foley (70 Tests)
9. Will Genia (106 Tests);
1. Scott Sio (60 Tests)
2. Tolu Latu (16 Tests)
3. Allan Alaalatoa (34 Tests)
4. Izack Rodda (22 Tests)
5. Rory Arnold (23 Tests)
6. David Pocock (79 Tests)
7. Michael Hooper (c) (96 Tests)
8. Isi Naisarani (5 Tests)
Reserves
16. Jordan Uelese (5 Tests)
17. James Slipper (92 Tests)
18. Sekope Kepu (107 Tests)
19. Adam Coleman (35 Tests)
20. Lukhan Salakaia-Loto (17 Tests)
21. Nic White (27 Tests)
22. Matt To’omua (48 Tests)
23. Kurtley Beale (88 Tests)
