Rugby World Cup: Wales v Australia

These are the whats, wherefores and who-the-what-nows for next weekend

Saturday 17 October

South Africa v Wales - 16:00 BST - Twickenham

New Zealand v France or Ireland - 20:00 BST - Millennium Stadium

Sunday 18 October

France or Ireland v Argentina - 13:00 BST - Millennium Stadium

Australia v Scotland - 16:00 BST - Twickenham

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After all the months of speculation, calculation, rumination and prediction, this is how the Group of Death, the Pool of Cruel ended up.

England packed up and out of their own party after being ambushed by two of their oldest, fiercest and, on this evidence, strongest rivals.

That defensive effort was as stirring as Japan's late try against South Africa a fortnight ago.

Cheika's last stand if you will. 

The sort of effort that they build monuments to.

"Michael Cheika and the team will give Scotland a lot of credibility and respect next week. What you have seen tonight, our set-piece again came through. The determination to work hard for each other... but don't get ahead of yourself - sudden-death footy is sudden-death footy."

Quote Message: South Africa are going to be a tough opponent but this game will give Wales confidence. There are huge questions marks about the scrum again. Australia deserved to win it purely on 10 minutes. When it's 15 against 13 you have to score a try. Next week Wales have to revert to a more open style game. They can't get caught up in a ferocious physical battle."

South Africa are going to be a tough opponent but this game will give Wales confidence. There are huge questions marks about the scrum again. Australia deserved to win it purely on 10 minutes. When it's 15 against 13 you have to score a try. Next week Wales have to revert to a more open style game. They can't get caught up in a ferocious physical battle."

How are those quarter-finals shaping up then?

Well we are looking at:

South Africa v Wales

and

New Zealand v Ireland or France

And on the other side of the draw...

Ireland or France v Argentina

and

Australia v Scotland

To be honest, I'm feeling a Bledisloe Cup World Cup final. 

Quote Message: It's desperately disappointing Wales couldn't take advantage of 13 men, but what an effort from Australia - their defence was immense.

It's desperately disappointing Wales couldn't take advantage of 13 men, but what an effort from Australia - their defence was immense.

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"That game we have just witnessed was an absolute bell-ringer. What a physical encounter. The main thing we have seen is a very, very committed and confident Wallabies outfit."

Australia's defence was the key factor. The Wallabies made 126 tackles and missed 10, while Wales only had to make 69 but have missed 15.  

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"Plenty of Australians booing the announcement of Wales scrum-half Gareth Davies as the man of the match. Rightly so, I think."

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Bernard Foley boots the ball high into the stands to bring the match to an end.

Bernard Foley with an out-of-character miss, screwing the penalty wide.

But that is not going to decide this game. The hard work was done during that superb defensive effort.

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"It was full of singing here 10 minutes ago and Wales fans going berserk. It's a bit different now."

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Quote Message: Alex Cuthbert's body language tells the story. Wales trail by nine points with three minutes to go and are down to 14."

Alex Cuthbert's body language tells the story. Wales trail by nine points with three minutes to go and are down to 14."

Nope, the cover was coming across to bail out Alex Cuthbert had he failed to slap down that pass.

But the Wales wing is shown yellow and Australia have a very kickable penalty.

A deliberate knock-on from Alex Cuthbert. Blatant. He is going to the bin.

Now, the referee wants to know if it prevented a certain try and warrants him going under the posts to award a penalty try.

Australia fly-half Bernard Foley has landed five penalties from five attempts. The missed kick was a long-range effort from Matt Giteau.

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This match feels like a done deal.

Australia send the Wales scrum into reverse again, winning the ball against the head on the red 22m line.

Only one winner now.

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"That is a Michael Cheika-led team. They worked so hard for each other and were so determined to not let the Welsh over the line. Now they have a nine-point lead."

Quote Message: That 10 minutes sums up the difference between the two teams. Australia had two men in the bin, Wales had opportunities but didn't take them. Defensively, Australia were brilliant but Wales didn't have enough creativity."

That 10 minutes sums up the difference between the two teams. Australia had two men in the bin, Wales had opportunities but didn't take them. Defensively, Australia were brilliant but Wales didn't have enough creativity."

ReutersCopyright: Reuters

Changes for Wales.

The most worrying is Liam Williams, who limps off to be replaced by James Hook. Another injury worry for Warren Gatland.

Elsewhere Rhys Preistland is on for Dan Biggar at 10.

Ross Moriarty, Ken Owens and Aaron Jarvis replace Justin Tipuric, Scott Baldwin and Paul James in the forwards.  

Australia have emerged from a period of nearly ten minutes down to 13 men, three points better off.

What sort of psychological blow does that land on Wales?

What sort of message does it send out to the rest of the competition?

That is the sort of furnace in which world champions are forged.

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And now Australia are up to within 15 metres!

A jinking break from Israel Folau, between George North and Dan Biggar, but he is pulled down just short.

No matter. A penalty has been awarded Australia's way.

And Foley is going to kick it. 

"Oh my God! That is unbelievable stuff! Inspired defence from the Wallbies. The back row all over the ball."

ReutersCopyright: Reuters

Turnover! Incredible. Spine-tingling effort from the Aussies and they have their reward as Adam Ashley-Cooper envelops Dan Biggar and the ball and forces the turnover.

Wales have made 268 metres with ball in hand from 100 carries, Australia 131 from 46.

Meanwhile, lock Kane Douglas is leading the Australian defensive effort with 14 tackles, with flanker Scott Fardy next best on 11.

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Will Genia is back on. Wales' 15 are up against Australia's 14. Wales with the line-out - five metres out.

Wales have been held up over the line once again.

Australia make changes to save their battered bodies.

James Slipper is on in place of Scott Sio.

Kurtley Beale replaces Drew Mitchell.

Tatafu Polota-Nau comes on for Stephen Moore.  

Quote Message: The problem is the Welsh attack doesn't look comfortable when the ball goes out wide. They have to be patient and recycle the ball quicker if they are going to score wide."

The problem is the Welsh attack doesn't look comfortable when the ball goes out wide. They have to be patient and recycle the ball quicker if they are going to score wide."

PACopyright: PA

Australia have made 15 tackles in the last two minutes...

Australia have made 115 tackles to Wales' 46.

"Amazing defence, unbelievable stuff. I cannot believe the Wallaby defence has held."

Heroic defence from Australia. Holding out phase after phase. 

Get the medals ready for all 13 of them. Real courage under fire.

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"Foley held George North up. Unbelievable stuff. The Wallabies will be talking to themselves, saying they have it done it for the last five minutes. Keep going."

George North on the charge. Stopped just short.

Jamie Roberts has a go. He also runs into a green and gold wall.

Five minutes until the return of Will Genia.

Australia have now made 101 tackles, Wales only 46. About 50 of those Wallaby tackles must have come in the last five minutes...

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Quote Message: It's starting to resemble a war zone out there. One Wales player is down. One Australian player is down. The noise is deafening. The Millennium Stadium has decamped to Twickenham."

It's starting to resemble a war zone out there. One Wales player is down. One Australian player is down. The noise is deafening. The Millennium Stadium has decamped to Twickenham."

"We are watching an absolutely amazing performance. How have Wales not scored yet? I don't know."

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George North! Surely! No! The Wales centre is held up over the line by Ben McCalman as a desperate Wallabies defence holds out.

It was a lovely silken offload from Jamie Roberts to spring North.

Game to restart with a scrum for Wales five metres out.

A titanic passage in an epic match.

Attack is the best form of defence for 13-man Australia. The Wallabies rush up in a blitz defence, Wales spill and have been pushed back to the Australia 22m.

Quote Message: Wales have to score in the next 10 minutes.

Wales have to score in the next 10 minutes.

All of a sudden it's 10-all in penalties - that's what pressure does when you're defending for your lives... 

Australia are saving David Pocock for the last eight. He is off and Rob Simmons is on.

"That is absolutely critical for Australia. It's cynical, poor discipline and it deserves a card."

Dean Mumm takes out Alun Wyn Jones in the air at the line-out. It is a repeated infringement and Craig Joubert reduces Australia to 13 men.

Wales have to make hay here.

The game will restart with a scrum five Wales.

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"Wow. It's electric here. The crowd are going nuts."

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No try. But Wales have a penalty in the back pocket.

Wales kick to the corner again.

Actually, the grounding looks decidedly dodgy on second viewing.

Faletau spilled forward, had no control as he landed on the ball over the line.

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Taulupe Faletau over! It looks good on the grounding on first viewing.

Was there an obstruction?

Will Genia cynically trips Gareth Davies as the Wales man taps and goes from a penalty after Adam Ashley-Cooper infringes.

That is a clear yellow. Wales with a ten-minute power-play.

And they kick to the corner...

Chargedown! Gareth Davies, playing superbly once again, blocks the Aussie clearing kick. Bernard Foley regathers and thumps clear, but Wales are running it back...

"Without a doubt, the body language is really up for the Wallabies. They are going hard at the breakdown."

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Quote Message: Australia look far more clinical with the ball in hand. Wales look one dimensional and don't look comfortable."

Australia look far more clinical with the ball in hand. Wales look one dimensional and don't look comfortable."

"Turnover is good!" yells referee Craig Joubert.

This time it is Scott Fardy who sneaks in to strip the ball from the grasp of Taulupe Faletau on the floor.

The Wales back row was too focused on the threat of David Pocock.

Tomas Francis on for Samson Lee in the Wales front row. Can he make an impression on this Aussie pack?

Wales have conceded 10 penalties to Australia's six, and that lack of discipline, combined with Bernard Foley's unerring boot, is the difference between the two sides so far.

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Wales win some line-out ball against the head and their backs realign sharpish to make the most of it.

Up they steam to the Australia 22m, but the Aussie back row slow up the recycle and buy their team some time to reorganise.

The ref gets tired of waiting and blows for a scrum Wales' way.

"It's critical in this World Cup to have discipline but unfortunately for Wales that's dispiriting after defending so well in that stanza."

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Bernard Foley prods it over and stretches the Aussie lead to six. Wales need the next score or they are playing some semi-serious catch-up.

The assistant referee buzzes his boss. He has spotted Taulupe Faletau neck-rolling Scott Fardy out of a ruck.

No yellow, but a penalty bang in front for the Aussies.

Foley is going to boot it over and it is a gimme.

Stuck in the Seychelles? There are worse places to be stuck, Jimbo

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A change on the flank for Australia as Sean McMahon departs, Ben McCalman comes on and slots in at eight.

David Pocock in at seven.

Wales hooker Scott Baldwin is mixing in swift company, snaffling an interception as Drew Mitchell attempts to flick an offload to fellow winger Adam Ashley-Cooper.

That gives Wales respite on their own 22m. The game is on a knife-edge. The next score is a biggie.

"Wales have looked really strong and enterprising in attack in the last couple of minutes but David Pocock is a man-mountain."

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Taulupe Faletau trundling down the whitewash, picking up some dangerous pace with no-one in front of him. 

But David Pocock is a cat-burgler in the body of a weight-lifter. He steals at the breakdown again and Australia have a penalty to ease the pressure in their own 22m.

Australia are out of the blocks like they haven't been fed raw meat for weeks.

A neat side-step from Israel Folau, Sekope Kepu bashing up short and the Wallabies are up to the 22m line.

Sam Warburton snaffles a loose off-load though and Gareth Davies' stabbed grubber is out of play just out of reach of Alex Cuthbert as the red shirts try and counter at pace.

"The Wales line speed and potentially borderline offside line in defence is absolutely fantastic."

Quote Message: Wales need to hang on in there like they did against England.

Wales need to hang on in there like they did against England.

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Any luck yet Jeff?

Here we go...

Foley goes deep, Dan Biggar gathers and Wales have set up a platform despite pressure from the flying Drew Mitchell.

Canny kick-off and a lightning chase.

The teams are trotting out. Craig Joubert counting up the numbers on each side.

Bernard Foley to get us back under way.

Wales dominated territory and possession at the start of the game, but Australia came right back into it as the half wore on.

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This was the biggest hit of the first half.

A 24-carat marrow-wobbler from Sean McMahon on Dan Biggar.

The Wales fly-half will probably not throw another dummy for the rest of the tournament after getting smeared like that.

Worth flagging up what this scoreline means in terms of last-eight match-ups.

The draw as it stands is:

South Africa v Wales

Australia v Scotland

Plenty of time for Warren Gatland to force their way onto another path through the knock-out stages.

"I've got no doubt that Michael Cheika will talk to the Wallaby players about the Welsh players holding the ball up in the tackle.

"At the moment, strategically, I think Wales are looking really good."

"The early enthusiasm of the Welsh fans has given way to a nervous murmur at half-time as Australia's pack showed signs of getting on top as the interval approached.

"Even with no place in the quarter finals at stake, there is a tension in the air."

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Maybe a little too intense and ferocious for the Duchess of Cambridge. 

Her Royal Highness is watching through her fingers like she is on Elm Street rather than at Twickers.

Quote Message: It's intense, it's ferocious, but it's pretty drab as well and the man who's stood out most is referee Craig Joubert.

It's intense, it's ferocious, but it's pretty drab as well and the man who's stood out most is referee Craig Joubert.

bbcCopyright: bbc

Only four players have recorded longer streaks in World Cup history.

Quote Message: There's notbhing in it. The only worry I have is Wales are slightly one dimensional. Australia look a little bit more dangerous in attack."

There's notbhing in it. The only worry I have is Wales are slightly one dimensional. Australia look a little bit more dangerous in attack."

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More bone-headed play from Wales. Sam Warburton round the side, past the back foot and clearly offside.

Matt Giteau takes on the kick from halfway, but he can't make the distance.

And that is the last action of the first half. Absorbing stuff.

Quote Message: That is Dan Biggar's first miss in 16 attempts at this World Cup."

That is Dan Biggar's first miss in 16 attempts at this World Cup."

 The touch-judges needed several checks. So did the spectators inside Twickenham. But, yep, that Dan Biggar kick from a nice spot has drifted wide.

The flags stay down, Australia stay in front.

ReutersCopyright: Reuters

Harsh Alex. It is more fibrous fare, but still plenty to enjoy.

Quote Message: It's only Wales' indiscipline that has kept Australia in it #bbcrugby

It's only Wales' indiscipline that has kept Australia in it #bbcrugby

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"It's amazing to see kickers who are so in tune with their technique. You've just got to applaud it."

Quade who?

Bernard Foley is out Carter-ing Dan Carter so far in this tournament.

Another nerveless kick.

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The cheese is dangled in front of Taulupe Faletau and the Wales number eight bites.

He is offside though as he pounces for a ball at the back of the ruck. Will Genia moans to the ref and gets the penalty call.

Bernard Foley is going for the poles.

"That was a little bit silly from Stephen Moore, the captain. He wasn't very happy and threw the ball away and the penalty moved forward 10 metres. You don't want to mess with Craig Joubert, the referee, or you're gone."

ReutersCopyright: Reuters

Everyone do the Biggar.

The Wales fly-half goes through his pre-kick routine, dusting off the shoulder, combing the quiff and knocking over the kick.

Parity once more.

Quote Message: A good response from Wales - they needed that penalty.

A good response from Wales - they needed that penalty.

Sean McMahon obstructs Gareth Davies as he chases up Gareth Anscombe's kick. Penalty Wales on halfway. Backchat from Wallabies hooker Stephen Moore. That is an extra 10 metres and makes up Welsh minds.

Posts please sir.

Quote Message: That is the difference...Australia have been dominant in the last 10 minutes and they have come away with six points. Wales were dominant for the first 20 minutes and scored three points."

That is the difference...Australia have been dominant in the last 10 minutes and they have come away with six points. Wales were dominant for the first 20 minutes and scored three points."

Getty ImagesCopyright: Getty Images

Wales have dominated territory and possession - they were camped in the Australia 22 for a considerable time - but you wouldn't know from the scoreboard.

BBC SportCopyright: BBC Sport

Wales' strategy of holding the Australians up and turning it into a maul has worked really, really well. They'll take conceding three points from that passage of play."

Wales might just take that. They were under severe pressure and managed to escape with just the three points in the debit column.

ReutersCopyright: Reuters

Australia turning the screw, cranking up the pressure.

Liam Williams off his feet as he attempts to win the ball back. Another Australia penalty and this time, from a more central position, Bernard Foley says he will take three.

Justin Tipuric is over-eager, sneaking round the side prematurely and Australia kick the penalty into the Wales 22m.

Another infringement, Australia go for the corner again.

They want tries.

Israel Folau, a former Aussie Rules pro, usually rules the skies in the Aussie back three, but he is not at his best so far.

Dan Biggar gets up above him for a high ball, failing to claim it but causing chaos.

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Quote Message: You miss one tackle against Australia and you are in big trouble. Wales have had possession and territory but haven't been able to turn that pressure into points."

You miss one tackle against Australia and you are in big trouble. Wales have had possession and territory but haven't been able to turn that pressure into points."

ReutersCopyright: Reuters

"Whilst a few Welsh players were receiving treatment and attention, Stephen Moore had a word with his pack and said 'boys, let's put it on them'.

"We've got a game on our hands everybody."  

There she blows. Bernard Foley, impeccable at Twickenham last weekend, hits it out of the sweet spot and between the sticks.

It was Samson Lee who was popped towards the sky again. He has been worked over by Scott Sio at the last two set-pieces.

This Aussie pack, drilled by Argentine legend Mario Ledesma, are a force to be reckoned with. 

Bernard Foley is going to kick for the posts.

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Massive scrum from Australia! They win the ball and have a penalty in the back pocket for afters.

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Drew Mitchell with a half-break, weaving and wafting a hand-off around at anything in a red shirt.

The Wales defence is turned and there is quick ball coming back for the Wallabies. Spun wide to Israel Folau, but the electric Aussie full-back is still short of the full voltage after injury and is prevented from getting to ground.

Scrum Wales on their own 22m line.

English cricket legend Sir Ian Botham is backing Wales all the way. England could, of course, beat the Aussies at cricket this summer. But not rugby this autumn.

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Australians thieving at the breakdown again and it is the Fagin of their gang David Pocock who has his fingers on the ball as Samson Lee gets isolated.

Penalty Australia and they will get plenty more like that unless Justin Tipuric and Sam Warburton get busy.

Gareth Anscombe puts boot to ball, but the adrenalin in his veins adds 15 metres to the ball and sends it dead.

A waste of some prime ball.

Quote Message: It's ferocious out there. Some of the hits are tremendous. This is a real Test match.

It's ferocious out there. Some of the hits are tremendous. This is a real Test match.

APCopyright: AP

Quote Message: The score does not reflect the statistical analysis that Wales have had 82% of territory."

The score does not reflect the statistical analysis that Wales have had 82% of territory."

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Cracking work from Luke Charteris, who loops his Mr Tickle-length arms over the top of Australia's rolling maul, scragging Stephen Moore and earning his side a penalty.

Wales are dominating possession and territory in the early stages and have already made 19 carries to only six by the Wallabies.

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The Australia pack show they are quick learners. After coming under the pump in the first couple of scrums, they prise Wales tight-head prop off the floor and earn a penalty at the next wrestle.

Slaps on the back from their colleagues in the backs and a chance to clear from inside their own 22m.

"Welsh fans in fine voice here at Twickenham after that flying start by Wales. It's unusual for them to be in the majority at Twickenham. 

"But a few of them are covering their eyes after some of the hits going in."

ReutersCopyright: Reuters

This Welsh fan has delivered his sympathies and condolences in person to English rugby headquarters.

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Dan Biggar probably wishes that Michael Hooper was back in the Australia side. 

Hooper's replacement Sean McMahon says 'no deal' when he is offered the dummy by the Wales fly-half and instead hits Biggar with an enormous shoulder.

A full whiplash-inducing wallop.

Wales have a penalty advantage as Australia are pinged for not rolling away on halfway.

Dan Biggar takes the chance to hoist a high one to put Israel Folau under the microscope. He fails to take it under pressure from Liam Williams.

No advantage for Wales though so we come back and Biggar whacks the penalty kick to touch for a line-out in the Aussie 22m.

The Australia scrum was rock solid against England, but it is coming under pressure from this Welsh pack.

Huge shove in the scrum and the Wallabies are scraping the ball back by the skin of their teeth at the set-piece.

Quote Message: If you didn't know it before you know it now... it has been a sensational start by Wales."

If you didn't know it before you know it now... it has been a sensational start by Wales."

ReutersCopyright: Reuters

"Fantastic start from Wales. You can tell from the scrum the Welsh are on. We are on for a bell-ringer.

"There have been three sloppy breakdowns from the Australians. Early signs are good for Wales."  

Bang in front and Dan Biggar, who has not missed a kick yet at the World Cup, is not going to blemish his record with that one. 

Over she goes and Wales have started well.

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The referee's arm shoots up. Advantage Wales. Dan Biggar with a shot-to-nothing cross-field bomb. It is overcooked, clean over Alex Cuthbert's head, but we'll come back for the penalty.

Ball turned over at the scrum as the Wales pack pile on the pressure. Gareth Davies darts blind, the ball is spread back across, George North! Is he over? No.

But Wales have scrum-down, five out and a massive chance of an early score.

Wales first line-out is a shocker. Crossed wires, jumpers failing to make it off the deck and a knock-on makes it scrum Australia on halfway.

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Dan Biggar pumps the kick-off long. Australia gather. Matt Giteau returns fire up towards halfway.

We are go.

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South-west London has more Aussies per square mile than most of Australia.

And Advance Australia Fair is belted out with gusto by those who have made it out of the Outback-themed bars for this one.

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There is Prince William, red scarf draped around his regal shoulders, blasting out the Welsh national anthem up in the posh seats.

He has picked the right horse to back in the Royal Family's sweepstake.

No sign of Prince Harry lending his support.

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The 2003 World Cup finalist, who won 76 caps for the Wallabies, has had plenty to say about this evening's game at Twickenham.

"It was a clinical display by Australia against England but the big worry from an Australian fans' perspective is 'are we capable of going up from there?'

"I'm really intrigued to see if that's the case against Wales. If they are that clinical today, it will be tough for Wales.  

"The Australia coach, Michael Cheika, knows what he wants. And he is fantastic at keeping your feet firmly on the ground. He wants this Australia team to go out there and express themselves.

"The game is going to be phenomenal and I can't wait for it."

Wales captain Sam Warburton has a smile and word for the mascot as the two teams line up in the tunnel. Quality captain, quality player, quality man. 

Australia are without influential back rower Michael Hooper after he was banned for clearing out England's Mike Brown last weekend. 

The Wallabies select Sean McMahon in the back row, with Drew Mitchell drafted in on the wing in place of the injured Rob Horne.

Full-back Israel Folau was named in the side on Thursday after being troubled by an ankle injury, but he missed the final training session on Friday.

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Winger George North switches to centre as Wales make six changes from the side that beat Fiji.

North is preferred to Tyler Morgan, with Liam Williams named on the wing after recovering from concussion. New Zealand-born Gareth Anscombe makes his first international start at full-back.

Fit-again props Samson Lee and Paul James come into the front row, with veteran loose-head Gethin Jenkins missing out altogether. Luke Charteris starts in the second row in place of Bradley Davies.

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Twickenham is awash with green, gold and red as both sets of players are told it is time to leave their changing rooms. 

*Five minutes to go klaxon*

Time for you to grab another beverage, time for us to remind you of the two teams...

Former Wales fly-half Jonathan Davies (right) and ex-Australia back Stirling Mortlock are in the commentary box at Twickenham alongside Chris Jones and Iain Carter. Full commentary from 16:45 BST.

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Wales head coach Warren Gatland on ITV: "We have to perform better than we did against England. Australia were outstanding last week. We had a short turnaround before Fiji, but have had nine days to prepare for this game and we have trained well. Mentally we are in a good place, and excited about this evening. We want to put Australia under pressure and play some good rugby."

"Commentator Gareth Charles has just summed this match up nicely on Radio Wales. 'It's not a must win game, but it's a want to win game.'

"Both teams are through to the quarter-finals but neither wants to be in the same half of the draw as the Springboks and the All Blacks.

"And former Wales fly-half Jonathan Davies has been heckled by David Campese while doing an interview.

"Well, as hecklers go, they don't come much better than the former Wallaby winger."

Half and half scarves a regular source of fevered debate with us - now we get half and half shirts...

Perfect for all the Welsh Aussies out there...

As you would expect from a man as stoic as Warren Gatland, he isn't fazed by Wales' miserable record against the Wallabies. In fact, he's taking that run as a positive.

"The last five times against Australia there has been a score in it. We've been ahead in games and not been able to finish it off," says Gatland.

"You learn from that, and experience comes from that and it showed in the autumn against South Africa. We closed that game down, and were brilliant in the last 15 minutes against England, coming from behind and showing maturity to close that game down."

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Quote Message: Wales haven't beaten Australia in the last 10 meetings but there are some games in there where Wales couldn't lose. In 2008 Wales had the game won but gave penalties away in wrong areas of the pitch. The record is dreadful but it's a new day and they will feel they can do it."

Wales haven't beaten Australia in the last 10 meetings but there are some games in there where Wales couldn't lose. In 2008 Wales had the game won but gave penalties away in wrong areas of the pitch. The record is dreadful but it's a new day and they will feel they can do it."

A raucous welcome for Wales at Twickenham.

As Wallabies coach Michael Cheika probably knows...it is all over in Newcastle! As does the whole of the Tyneside no doubt following the roar that greeted Scotland's nervy win at St James' Park.

Vern Cotter's side join Wales in the last-eight - but will they play them? Only 80 minutes of blood, sweat and tears before we find out.

"Wales' backs are out on the field at Twickenham along with one Australian - their coach Michael Cheika.

"However, the former Leinster man is taking no notice of Dan Biggar and company as he's transfixed with his mobile phone.

"Is he following Scotland v Samoa live text? Who could blame him?"

Scotland captain Greig Laidlaw has just crossed the whitewash - giving them a 10-point lead and one foot in the quarter-finals. If they hold on for another five minutes, then Wales will know that the prize for beating Australia is another Home Nation clash.

"We are desperate to win this game, as win this group and potentially your road through to quarters, semis and final is a little bit easier than the the other side of the draw," says Wales head coach Warren Gatland. 

"We are desperate to finish off well and win this group, and hopefully give ourselves potentially a second seed team in the quarter-finals."

Fancy having your say on today’s game? Get involved by using #bbcrugby on Twitter. If you're in a far-flung location, or you've decamped to somewhere unusual to watch the match, we want to know about it and we want to see photographic evidence. By the pool? In Vegas? By the pool in Vegas? The best will be posted on here.

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"Welcome to the home of English rugby, proclaims a banner on a footbridge over the A316 on the approaches to Twickenham.

"Well, not today. Twickenham town is awash with green and gold and red and white as Australia and Wales arrive to settle who will emerge on top from Pool A.

"There is an unusual mix of shirts and accents - old South Wales and New South Wales - around the hot food stalls set up in the front gardens of enterprising local residents.

"It looks as if every Australian in London has managed to secure a ticket. It's going to be quite a party."

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Talking of Scotland... they are currently nearing the end of a humdinger of a must-win clash against Samoa. The Scots, who are through to the last eight with a win, lead by three points. With 10 minutes left. Head over here to find out if they can hang on. (Make sure you come back to this page afterwards. Please.)

Of course, Wales are already safe in the knowledge that their spot in the World Cup quarter-finals is assured.

Gatland's side wounded England a fortnight ago, with Australia adding the killer blow as the host nation crashed to the canvas last week.

But that does not mean today does not matter. Oh no. Whoever loses faces the less-than-appetising prospect of South Africa in the last eight. The winners? Either Scotland or Japan - and an easier path towards the final.

Hello! It is a date etched into millions of Welsh minds, a day which could prove to be one of the greatest in the nation's sporting history. A day which could banish dark memories of that defeat by Western Samoa at the 1991 Rugby World Cup. A day which could consign that penalty miss by footballer Paul Bodin against Romania two years later to the back of the mind.

Later today, the football team travel to Bosnia-Herzegovina. One single point which will see them qualify for Euro 2016 and end their 57-year absence from major tournaments.

But first, the focus of our attention - and that of a whole nation - is on the rugby union team. On Twickenham to be precise. Where Warren Gatland's men face Australia in a bruising brawl to determine who emerges from the Group of Death as the last man standing.

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Seconds after those shiny new 2015 calendars and diaries were bought and unwrapped, every Welsh sports fan grabbed a thick red marker pen. They furiously flicked through the pages, past Easter, past the summer holidays, straight for early autumn.

Ah there it is! Saturday, 10 October. The nation's date with sporting destiny. 

A big ring drawn around the date. Holidays booked. Travel planned. Fingers crossed.

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