Flying Wallaby wing Mark Nawaqanitawase on Saturday said he is eager to get at Wales's famed tough defence as Australia look to keep their Rugby World Cup hopes alive.
Defeat to Fiji last weekend has left the Wallabies hopes hanging by a thread and another reverse against Warren Gatland's Wales in Lyon on Sunday would almost certainly see them heading home early from the tournament.
Australia made few inroads into Fiji's bruising defence last week in Saint Etienne, but Nawaqanitawase is unbowed and believes they will be able to muscle into the Wales backline.
"Wales have always been a strong team with some talented players, I guess we're going to have to put up a fight against these guys," said the 22-year-old Waratahs back.
"It will be a tough game but we're looking forward to it."
Nawaqanitawase made his name last November with two tries in a stunning comeback victory for Australia in Cardiff when the Wallabies overturned a 21-point deficit to claim a last-gasp 39-34 victory.
It was only his third appearance for the Wallabies and he is chomping at the bit to get stuck into the Welsh again.
"For us, we've just got to take confidence in what we can do. I'm really keen to have a crack at these guys," said the strapping 100-kilogramme, 1m91cm wing, who has scored in each of Australia's first two Pool C matches.
"As much as they're pretty good in defence, there will be some cracks in the game after we move them around a bit, so we're going to look for those opportunities."
'TERRIFIC ATHLETE'
Wales have identified Nawaqanitawase as one of Australia's biggest threats.
"He's been fantastic since he's come into the Wallabies set up, what a terrific athlete first and foremost," said Wales wing Josh Adams, who will line up opposite Nawaqanitawase on Sunday.
"I think he's been a point of difference for Australia. His work off the ball has been excellent, he pops up on the left side, right side, in middle of the field: he's got a fantastic engine.
"He's a big key point, a focal point for Australia. He gets them over the gain line well and his offensive area work is excellent as well.
"They try to pick him out as often as they can, he's a big, big, big lad as well. He's been terrific, I've had a look at him in depth, I'm going to have to be on my money tomorrow night to nullify that threat because he's been excellent."
With Wales having pipped Fiji 32-26 and then the Pacific Islanders defeating Australia 22-15, a Wallaby victory on Sunday would set up the possibility that progression from Pool C comes down to bonus points – all three sides currently have two each.
But Nawaqanitawase says that cannot be a consideration on Sunday.
"First of all, just focus on getting that win. Anything else that comes extra will be a bonus," he said.
But for Wales, victory would secure their progression to the knock-out stages with a game to spare.
"It's in our hands now and that's a nice position to be in," said Adams.
"We're quite aware of the carrot at the end, if you like, and it's motivated us quite a lot this week, if I'm honest.
"It's the best week we've had in my opinion."