Mark Nawaqanitawase almost single-handedly saved the Wallabies' blushes against Wales last year with the young winger now set to play a key role in saving Australia's World Cup campaign.
The desperate Wallabies' quarter-final hopes go on the line against Wales in Lyon on Sunday (Monday AEST) with a defeat guaranteed to send them packing at the pool stage for the first time.
While the Australians suffered a shock loss to Fiji last round, pool leaders Wales are unbeaten through their two games and are relishing the chance to lock up a final-eight spot with a match to spare.
Wales have never failed to reach the quarter-finals with Warren Gatland in charge, having got there in 2011, 2015 and 2019.
The Wallabies lost to Wales in a pool clash in the 2019 tournament in Japan but in their last meeting in November in Cardiff they rallied from a 21-point deficit to clinch a 39-34 victory.
Playing in just his third Test, Nawaqanitawase burst into life in the second half, crossing in the corner in the 57th minute and adding another 10 minutes later when he darted from the back of a lineout to dot down to swing momentum Australia's way.
The Wallabies will be looking for a similar miracle turnaround to rescue their World Cup, with coach Eddie Jones stating this week his head could be on the chopping block with an early exit.
Nawaqanitawase said the way the team were able to scramble to victory against Wales last year gave them confidence.
"It was a tough game in Cardiff, good to get the win, it's always good to get a bit of confidence," the 23-year-old said.
"Wales have always been a strong team with some talented players and we're going to have to put up a fight against these guys.
"It will be a tough game but I'm looking forward to going against these guys."
Nawaqanitawase has been likened to former Test fullback Israel Folau for his prowess in the air, with the Wallabies certain to use the tactic to try to break through the red defensive wall.
The Wallabies have included Andrew Kellaway at fullback for the first time in the tournament, who is also a high-ball specialist.
The Australians need to take an attacking mindset into the game because as well as a victory, a bonus point - while also stopping Wales collecting two - will be vital to their play-off hopes.
"As much as Wales can be good at defence, we know that there will be some some cracks in the game after moving them around a bit," Nawaqanitawase said.
"As a team, we can look for those opportunities and I'm sure we will take them."
Welsh winger Josh Adams missed the Cardiff match but has been set the formidable task of marking the Sydneysider.
"He's been fantastic since he's come into the Wallabies set-up. What a terrific athlete first and foremost, he's been a point of difference for Australia," Adams said.
"He's a big, big, big, big lad as well so I'm going to have to be on my money to nullify that threat because he's been excellent.
"Australia pose a very, very good aerial threat, which it will be very important to nullify ... and their short-side attack is pretty good as well so we need to be on the money defensively.
"It's in our hands now and that's a nice position to be in ... it'll be a massive game for Australia as well, and it will be a great contest."
