Wales vs. Australia: Key Battles to Watch in Cardiff
Wales will look to accomplish what the Barbarians could not when they welcome Australia to the Millennium Stadium on Saturday, hoping to show they have what it takes against Southern Hemisphere opposition.
The Wallabies edged a 40-36 win over the Baa Baas at Twickenham last weekend, and Michael Cheika comes to Cardiff with the fullest intention of maintaining that winning start to life as the head coach of Australia.
Both teams pack a varied assortment of power and pace in the backs, which is where our focus takes us as we run through a selection of the most intriguing battles heading into this fixture.
1. Leigh Halfpenny vs. Israel Folau
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Any injury fears Toulon might have raised with Leigh Halfpenny would appear to have been put to bed after the Welshman finally got started with life in the top 14.
The fullback had been out since March with a dislocated shoulder, while Israel Folau has gathered a full head of steam in his development, claiming a Super Rugby title with the Waratahs and further enhancing his Wallabies reputation.
As a result of injuries, it is not surprising that Halfpenny has been rushed back, but the No. 15 faces a mountainous challenge upon making his return—and one that might be a bridge too far this soon.
Folau's safety under the high ball may not rival Halfpenny's levels of security, but when Matt Toomua utilises his fullback as an inside option coming into the line—something Halfpenny perhaps doesn't do as often as he should—sparks tend to fly.
2. Sam Warburton vs. Michael Hooper
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Scavengers worldwide need only divert their attentions toward the Millennium Stadium this Saturday if they're to witness how hard the modern open-side flanker should be working on the pitch, and for how long.
In terms of stamina and conditioning, Sam Warburton and Michael Hooper, captains of Wales and Australia, respectively, are up there with the very elite in their position.
It makes for a never-ending struggle at the turnover, with this pair in particular likely to be spending as much time rising off the fringes of any breakdown in an effort to prevent that next phase making progress.
It will also be of intrigue to see which of the flanker stars can wrestle possession off their opposing ruck more. Fluidity through the hands and expression is something Cheika will be looking to encourage this autumn.
3. George North vs. Tevita Kuridrani
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Wednesday brought with it the news that a lack of midfield options meant coach Warren Gatland would field George North in his less familiar outside centre role this weekend.
It's pleasing news for Australia, but only in the form that they don't have to face the Northampton Saints behemoth on the wing, as he's more than capable of causing immense damage regardless of where he lines up.
Jonathan Davies is one of those North will be filling in for, with the injured Clermont man quoted by BBC Sport as saying: "George has asked for a few things defensively, but he's very comfortable and he's never let his country down when he's come in at 13. He's just such a huge talent and he's in great form and he'll take to the role like a duck to water I'm sure."
Gatland fielded North in the centre when it was asked of him during the 2013 British and Irish Lions tour, and again the Wallabies will see firsthand what the powerhouse is capable of.
However, one major difference this time around is Tevita Kuridrani's presence. The youngster managed to score against the Lions on that tour, but only for the Brumbies in a warm-up environment.
The head-to-head between these up-and-coming stars will be physically demanding but full of pace, too.
Jamie Roberts and Matt Toomua promise to hold the keys to the kingdoms for Wales and Australia, respectively, given that they'll be the inside centres hoping to unleash those athletic specimens on their outside shoulder.
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4. Dan Biggar vs. Quade Cooper
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Wales' fly-half frustration goes on for now, and while new Cardiff Blues addition Gareth Anscombe may be the answer in time, Dan Biggar starts this Saturday after being awarded Gatland's faith.
It's justified after the 25-year-old's work in leading Ospreys to the summit of the Pro12. It's a decision based on form, and rightly so.
Cheika took little time in hauling Quade Cooper back into the Wallabies' hot spot against the Barbarians last week, and it's likely the Queensland Red will be retained heading to Cardiff. It's a huge task for Biggar to consider.
When allowed time by his pack, the Ospreys' string-puller can be constructively sound, and his place-kicking is often reliable.
However, Cooper is a dangerous enemy at his most elusive, and it's in taking the ball directly to his opposite number that Australia's No. 10 will seek to unearth an edge.
5. Rhys Webb vs. Will Genia
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The other half of that Ospreys' half-back combination working in such fluid motion of late, Rhys Webb has also seen just reward for his impressive standards during the 2014-15 campaign.
And it stands to be a double duo of club pairs with Cooper's Reds partner Will Genia also looking likely to lace up in the Wallabies' starting XV.
Genia's recent injury absence has allowed others, such as Nick Phipps and Nic White, to strut their stuff, but no standout offerings throughout the Rugby Championship would suggest any are capable of overcoming the returning No. 9.
Webb, meanwhile, is only at the very beginning of his days with Wales, but beating Mike Phillips to the punch at this stage is no small achievement.
Webb's major advantage over Phillips is rate of play and the quick turnover of phases he promotes so adamantly. He promises to give Roberts and North a rapid platform to work from.
A fit Welsh pack should be up to the challenge of keeping ball in grasp, and as long as they do their part, the Welsh back line can be unleashed quickly and often by a chasing Webb with the Wallabies on the back foot.
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