Warren Gatland puts the heat on Aussies ahead of Wales clash

Since losing to England, they have beaten Italy, Ireland and Scotland, the comfortable victory in Dublin the more notable after an Irish near-miss against New Zealand which was reminiscent of Wales’ last three last-minute affairs against Australia.

“It won’t have that much bearing on the World Cup, still being a couple of years away, and it’s too early to know what their structure and game plan will be,” said Cuthbert. “But to win would be a confidence-booster that we can beat these southern-hemisphere teams.”

Cuthbert was a memorable try-scorer in the first Lions Test last June but he was then demoted by Gatland.

“I took a lot of experience from the summer and grew up as a guy as well,” said Cuthbert. “It’s the norm playing Australia now. We’ve played each other enough times.

“They are a quality side who can never be kept down. It worked out well for the Lions so I have no complaints. Any player would be frustrated, but I was just glad to be part of it.”

Gatland’s most contentious selection is Dan Biggar at fly-half instead of Rhys Priestland.

Lions wing George North’s choice for a match outside the official Test window will land Northampton, but not North himself, in trouble with Premiership Rugby.

If Saints were to be fined, it would be a small-minded act from which the club would emerge with greater credit than their own umbrella body.

By contrast, prop Paul James is back at Bath, so leaving Wales down to Rhodri Jones at tighthead – richly promising, but undeniably third choice.

Wales: L Halfpenny; A Cuthbert, O Williams, S Williams, G North; D Biggar, M Phillips; G Jenkins, R Hibbard, Rhodri Jones, A Wyn Jones, I Evans, D Lydiate, S Warburton (capt), T Faletau.

Replacements: K Owens, R Bevington, S Lee, Ryan Jones, J Tipuric, R Williams, R Priestland, L Williams.

Article source: http://www.skysports.com/rugbyunion/match_preview/0,,11069_62475_1,00.html

Warren Gatland puts the heat on Aussies ahead of Wales clash