“Any team that can beat the All Blacks, which they (Australia) did in the summer, and to win the Rugby Championship you are talking about an incredibly formidable force”, added Edwards.
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Captain Sam Warburton switches to blindside flanker and features alongside fellow British and Irish Lions Justin Tipuric and Taulupe Faletau.
Drew Mitchell’s 12 career World Cup tries are the most ever by a Wallaby and rank him fourth all-time.
Wales, though, will need to end a run of 10 successive defeats against Australia, who are 3/8 to extend their winning streak and 4/11 to top the group.
“(But) what I do think is (Saturday) will be more hard because of the nature of the contest (to top Pool A) and the tournament.
And Gatland paid tribute to his coaching opposite number on Saturday, Michael Cheika, who has moulded Australia into serious World Cup challengers.
“I haven’t seen their team, but I wouldn’t be surprised if they select two specialist opensides”, Cheika said.
Here’s your daily round-up of all things Rugby World Cup as South Africa trounce the United States while England’s current and former stars continue to bicker.
“We’ve still got so much to do”, Cheika said of the Wallabies’ rapid progress.
Wales will fight fire with fire and not allow Australia to dictate terms in the Pool A decider at Twickenham on Saturday that will decide the sides’ path through the knockout stages of the Rugby World Cup.
“It’s more the process of the way we we’re going about defending, which has been impressive”.
“We are relieved that we’re through to the quarter-finals, but we want to win every single game”.
Australia underlined their credentials as title contenders with an impressive 33-13 win over England last weekend that knocked the tournament hosts, beaten 28-25 by Wales the previous week, out of the event.
Williams lost five of his eight games against the Wallabies, but the diminutive winger says history will count for little when the teams go into battle. Wales know Australia is a good side, but they’re in a good position. “One week is not ideal, I’m not raving about it but we can move on and I’m glad it’s all over and done”.
“It gives us that footwork and physical presence in midfield”, said Gatland, looking to counter full back Israel Folau and playmaker Matt Giteau.
Foley said Australia must not be complacent after resisting England’s “extreme” pressure even though the victory has given them confidence. “We respect those players massively, but we are going to do our best to isolate them from getting on to our ball by how we attack”.
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“There are question marks around Izzy (Folau) and his ankle, Rob Horne and his shoulder, Gits didn’t train this morning because of his ribs, I am sure he’ll be right”, Ashley-Cooper told the Sydney Morning Herald.
