Both teams will be in Cardiff next month to take on Warren Gatland’s Welsh side in the 2017 Under Armour Series, but before they head to the Welsh capital there is still a very important domestic, southern hemisphere battle to be won.
“They keep developing and they are a confident side. They’ll be disappointed they didn’t knock over the Boks,” said Hansen.
“They were two really good Test matches which ended up in a draw – which no one really wants. I’d say they’ll be coming to Brisbane pretty confident.
“I don’t think after our Dunedin Test we can afford to be even one or two percent off. Everyone is pretty excited about it and Brisbane is a great place to play.”
Hansen is sweating on the availability of Beauden Barrett, who is struggling with lingering effects of a head knock, which could mean a debut for Crusaders playmaker Richie Mo’unga in the No 10 jersey.
The Wallabies, who pipped the Springboks to the runners-up spot in the Rugby Championship are likely to give a final home farewell to former skipper Steve Moore. The 124-times capped hooker will retire from international rugby at the end of the year and play one last season of Super Rugby with the Reds in 2018.
He will be looking for another win in his final game at the Principality Stadium, after notching 12 wins in his 13 games against Wales to date. Missing from that game, however, will be up and coming lock Izack Rodda.
Rodda has been ruled out for the rest of the year following shoulder surgery. That means Rob Simmons is set to return to join Adam Coleman in the second row this weekend.
Under Armour Series 2017 – BUY TICKETS HERE
WALES v AUSTRALIA – Saturday, 11 November 2017 (17:15)
WALES v GEORGIA – Saturday, 18 November 2017 (14:30)
WALES v NEW ZEALAND – Saturday, 25 November 2017 (17:15) SOLD OUT
WALES v SOUTH AFRICA – Saturday, 2 December 2017 (14:30)
