Shaun Edwards looks ahead to the battle at the breakdown against the Wallabies

Shaun Edwards looks ahead to the battle at the breakdown against the Wallabies

Wales are readying themselves for a huge back-row battle with Australia when they take on the Wallabies at Principality Stadium on Saturday.

Warren Gatland's side are looking to build on their 21-10 victory over Scotland when they meet the might of the southern hemisphere.

"This game is going to be a real battle of the breakdown. We try to contest the ball a lot with our defensive structure and obviously Australia do the same," said Wales defence coach Shaun Edwards.

"They have very famous players in those positions with Michael Hooper and David Pocock, but they have others who compete as well.

"If anyone watched us at the weekend against Scotland they would have seen we are trying to be very vigorous over the ball.


David Pocock finished the Super Rugby season with the third highest total of turnovers won despite missing a chunk of the season through injury and averaged 2.6 turnovers per game.

"There have been other great jacklers in our time, but Pocock's technique is exemplary. He is a great threat and someone we have focused on in the build up to the game."


Edwards continued: "We definitely want to win on Saturday, it is as simple as that. We are preparing to win and we have had two-and-a-half weeks of good preparation.

"That's something we have probably not had before. I do feel more prepared for this game."

Edwards believes Australia will be a threat and highlighted that the Wallabies may have gotten more impact off their bench in the past, an area which he believes his side has improved.

"In the past, they (Australia) have definitely got us off the bench. Their bench has been very strong and games have been won and lost in the last five to 10 minutes.

"I think we are stronger now and there is no doubt when you look at a rugby team, you see how strong it is when you look how good the bench is.

"I think our bench is looking definitely better than it has been in the past."

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