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George to slay the Welsh Dragon

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Tokesy's Take- The Down Under view on Australia's visit to the Millenium Stadium

"Well you could have put away the pool cues at the Kempsey RSL after 20 mins of the Wallabies match with Japan. Although the Cherry Blossoms tried hard, the class of the Wallabies showed through and the second half turned into a procession as the red hot Aussies ran in 91 points. The punters who took Tokesy's advice and took the Wallabies to cover the spread of 60.5 points would have enjoyed their free parmas and pots during the week!!

The focus this week turns to the wonderful Welsh capital of Cardiff where the crunch Group B match is to be played between the Wallabies and the Welsh Dragons. The Welsh were rudely unsettled by the marauding Mounties from Canada last start and only some late magic allowed them to prevail. However, back home in the valleys with 70,000 Welshmen singing "Bread of Heaven" - the Red Dragons will be a different proposition.

Only a couple of changes to the Wallabies starting XV for this match and that is the introduction of the speedster Drew Mitchell on the wing for Australia's rookie of the year Adam Ashley-Cooper and Guy Shepherdson coming into the front row for big bad Al Baxter. The Welsh have named a strong team led by their inspirational leader Gareth Thomas at full back and the accurate boot of Stephen Jones at flyhalf.

In the fore-front of the memories of both teams will be Australia's poor record at the Millenium Stadium in the last few years. 2 years ago in a match that spelt the end of Eddie Jones reign as Wallaby coach - the Welsh defeated the Wallabies 24 - 22 with the nadir of the Wallabies poor season being our scrum collapsing and a penalty try being awarded against us. Again the Wallabies will be targeted in this area and with the Welsh in full voice it will be the true test of Michael Foley's restructured Aussie scrum. A year ago the teams drew 29 all in a fast flowing affair. These 2 results and the Welsh's brave effort with a second string side in Australia in June indicate this match will be a close fought affair.

If I was the betting type (and I certainly am!!) I would be watching the +9.5 points start for the Welsh. A close fought match with the Wallabies to secure Group B will mean the beers will be flowing at the RSL on Saturday night!!