WALES will go one step closer to qualifying for the Rugby World Cup quarter-finals if they can beat Australia – and there isn’t a better time to play them.
Pool C was blown wide open after the Wallabies suffered a shock 22-15 defeat to Fiji.
ReutersWales comfortably beat Portugal 28-8 in their recent match[/caption]
GettyAustralia lost to Fiji in one of the shocks of Rugby World Cup history[/caption]
And it now means that Warren Gatland‘s team can still progress even if they draw or lose one of their remaining two games after consecutive wins against Fifi and Portugal.
But the Wales boss is not taking anything for granted and has confirmed that the “stakes are high” for this match.
Gatland said: “Every game in the World Cup is tough, the stakes are high, and this will be no different. Australia have talented players and we know they will want to come out and put in a performance.
“I was surprised by their tactics against Fiji. Their ball-in-play time was 27 minutes compared to our 38.
“They’ve also lost a couple of key forwards so that will change the way the approach the game so we’ve prepared for a few scenarios.
“Our accuracy was good against Fiji, but it was not at the level we would like against Portugal. Against Australia, we know we have to take our chances and put them under as much pressure as possible.”
When is Wales vs Australia?
Wales’s Rugby World Cup encounter against Australia is set to take place on Sunday, September 24.It is scheduled to get underway at 8pm BST.OL Stadium in Lyon is the allocated arena for this huge match and it can host approximately 59,186 fans.The Wallabies beat Wales 39-34 in a close 2022 Autumn International fixture.
What TV channel is it on and can it be live streamed?
Wales vs Australia will be broadcast LIVE on ITV 1.Coverage is expected to commence from 7:15pm BST – 45 minutes before kick-off.Fans can also stream the entire match live on ITVXAlternatively, follow SunSport’s blog for minute-by-minute coverage including pre-match and post-match reaction.
Can I watch it for FREE?
Yes!
Fans can watch Wales vs Australia for FREE as long as you have a valid TV license in the UK.
What is the team news?
Wales team: Liam Williams; Louis Rees-Zammit, George North, Nick Tompkins, Josh Adams; Dan Biggar, Gareth Davies; Gareth Thomas, Ryan Elias, Tomas Francis, Will Rowlands, Adam Beard, Aaron Wainwright, Jac Morgan (captain), Taulupe Faletau.
Wales replacements: Elliot Dee, Corey Domachowski, Henry Thomas, Dafydd Jenkins, Taine Basham, Tomos Williams, Gareth Anscombe, Rio Dyer
Australia team: 15. Andrew Kellaway, 14. Mark Nawaqanitawase, 13. Jordan Petaia, 12. Samu Kerevi, 11. Marika Koroibete, 10. Ben Donaldson, 9. Tate McDermott, 1. Angus Bell, 2, David Porecki (capt), 3. James Slipper, 4. Nick Frost, 5. Richie Arnold, 6. Rob Leota, 7. Tom Hooper, 8. Rob Valetini.
Australia replacements: 16. Matt Faessler, 17. Blake Schoupp, 18. Pone Fa’amausili, 19. Matt Philip, 20. Fraser McReight, 21. Nic White, 22. Carter Gordon, 23. Suliasi Vunivalu.