The man charged with plotting the Lions’ downfall in less than 19 months’ time knows his Wallaby side face a massive test of their credentials this coming weekend.
Robbie Deans’ Tri Nations Champions take on Wales at the Millennium Stadium on Saturday in a re-run of the Bronze Medal match at last month’s World Cup.
Australia triumphed 21-18 on that occasion in Auckland and Deans is expecting a similarly tight encounter this time around, even though the Wallabies warmed up for their trip to Cardiff with a 60-point hammering of the Barbarians at Twickenham.
"We expect a lot. We have been reading it, we have been hearing it,” said Deans, after the Welsh team received plenty of plaudits for the semi-final showing in New Zealand.
“They, like us, weren't happy with the way they exited the World Cup.
"Sam Warburton was very frustrated not to be involved at the death and you have got Shane Williams' last fixture. There will be a bit of emotion there.
"That’s going to be a tough assignment so it was good to have a hit-out before we get to the Millennium Stadium. It's ideal for us, the right order to have the games.”
Saturday’s clash will be the last time British fans will see the Wallabies on our soil prior to the 2012 autumn internationals when all eyes will be on potential Lions match ups in 2013.
