Wales urged to take their chances against Wallabies

Wales have been urged to “nail the big moments” when they end their autumn Test series at the Millennium Stadium tomorrow.

Victory over Australia would avoid a clean sweep of Tri-Nations defeats this month, and send Wales into their RBS 6 Nations title defence next February high on confidence.

A comprehensive success – by 15 points or more – could even secure a top-four world ranking ahead of Monday’s 2011 World Cup draw in London.

That would mean Wales avoiding New Zealand, South Africa or Australia in the tournament’s pool stage, but the European champions are not even looking that far ahead.

The November finale is all about Wales claiming a first Tri-Nations scalp since they beat the Wallabies in 2005.

And after tryless defeats to the Springboks and All Blacks, despite producing high-class performances for 40 minutes of each game, Wales know they must deliver.

“We have been talking about nailing the big moments,” said Wales attack coach Rob Howley.

“You don’t get loads of opportunities against teams like New Zealand, which is why you have to be so accurate, and that is the intensity we’ve been asking for.

“We are not there yet – we realise that – but we are looking to cement those chances tomorrow.

“If we weren’t making line-breaks in games then there would be a concern, but we are.

“We have told the players they deserve to win a Test match (this autumn). They’ve put in an enormous amount of work, and it is a win we all need.”

Australia, in contrast, are one victory away from completing an unbeaten Test tour in Europe for the first time since 1996.

Much has been made of their vastly-improved scrummage under the watchful eye of former Bath coach Michael Foley, and Wales expect a stern contest in that critical area.

“Australia have improved quite a bit in the scrum – they’ve addressed certain issues,” said Wales forwards coach Robin McBryde.

“We weren’t happy with our scrum against New Zealand last weekend, and we know we’ve got to step up a level.

“It is about the small details, and it is about accuracy under pressure.”

Both camps reported a clean bill of health following today’s final run-outs at the stadium, with Australia set for their 14th Test match this year and Wales making an 11th appearance under head Warren Gatland’s direction, having won six and lost four.