This is regarded as the more forgiving side of the draw but nothing seems to come easy for Wales or Australia lately. Both sides would have hoped for a more encouraging buildup although it is Wales’s recent history that has been more unsettling. During the Six Nations in February, the players threatened to strike over a contractual dispute with the Welsh Rugby Union. Industrial action was ultimately averted but the related issues have not gone away.
Results have been equally worrying since Warren Gatland arrived for a second spell as head coach in December. Wales came fifth in the Six Nations, managing a solitary win against Italy in Rome, and their warm-up itinerary produced a home victory against England before a narrow defeat by them at Twickenham. A humbling 52-16 loss to South Africa in Cardiff did nothing for collective confidence but they are hardly alone in that.
