Monday 3 November 2014 17:03, UK
Australia lock Rob Simmons admits Wales will not lack motivation in Saturday’s autumn Test opener in Cardiff.
Simmons and company will defend a nine-match unbeaten record against Wales in the countries' final meeting before next year's World Cup.
Wales have not toppled the Wallabies since November 2008, and they have also been drawn in the same 2015 World Cup pool alongside hosts England, Fiji and Uruguay.
Wales' demoralising run of defeats at Australia's expense has included five losses by four points or less, and they are understandably desperate to end that losing sequence.
"Winning the last nine games definitely helps with our confidence," Simmons said. "But we know that every time we beat them, the next time they come up against us they are going to want to beat us even more.
"It's almost making it harder for ourselves. We need to be on our game 100 per cent.
"Especially when those World Cup pool stages come up, to have that psychological edge and make it 10 (wins in succession) would help us going forward."
For a few years now, each time we've come up here, the Australian scrum gets spoken about. The last few years, it has gone quite well, and we are trying to push forward again.
Simmons is set to be part of a Wallabies pack that can expect a fierce challenge from their opposite numbers.
"Their pack is quite strong," he added. "We've been doing a fair bit of studying on them, and we need to get on the front foot and start playing some very consistent rugby.
"For me, personally, Alun-Wyn Jones is quite influential on their team, and (Luke) Charteris in the lineout as well.
"For a few years now, each time we've come up here, the Australian scrum gets spoken about. The last few years, it has gone quite well, and we are trying to push forward again.
"It is a source of pride - that's how we want to look at it. We want to make the other team worried about our scrum.
"Wales are one of the top teams. It is always very competitive, and we always know it is going to be a tough match.
"We have got a job this weekend, and that's about as far as we can look forward.
"If we look too far in front, you can come undone this weekend, so we are just taking it one week at a time."
Prop Sekope Kepu looks likely to be at the heart of Australia's forward challenge next weekend, and he admits that no stone will be left unturned in terms of preparation.
"At Test level, every scrum is good, but each week is different," he said.
"Wales always have a good scrum. They are missing Adam Jones, but the guys that have come through are really promising. They gave South Africa a hard day at the office when they last played.
"We will be doing our prep, putting the work in and building towards the weekend."
