Wales v Australia: History beckons, but Wayne Pivac question marks remain

Alongside the Irish loss, Australia have endured one-point defeats by France and Italy on this trip and managed a 16-15 win over Scotland.

So Rennie has his own issues, but has recognised the pressure on fellow countryman Pivac and his staff.

“I don’t read anything so I’m not sure what’s been said, but I know Wayne well, I also coached with Jonathan Humphreys (Wales forwards coach) at Glasgow, so they’re really good men,” said Rennie.

“This is the business we’re in, it’s results driven, if you don’t get results you come under pressure. I’m sure they understand that, I understand that so I feel for them, it’s not easy.”

There will be no sentiment on show in Cardiff because both teams and coaches need the result and a convincing performance.

Pivac just might need it more.

Wales: Halfpenny; Cuthbert, North, Hawkins, Dyer; Anscombe, T Williams, G Thomas, Owens, D Lewis, Beard, Alun Wyn Jones, Morgan, Tipuric (capt), Faletau.

Replacements: Elias, R Jones, Francis, Carter, Macleod, Hardy, Priestland, Adams.

Australia: Wright; Petaia, Ikitau, Hodge, Nawaqanitawase; Donaldson, Gordon; Slipper (capt), Fainga’a, Alaalatoa, Frost, Neville, Holloway, McReight, Gleeson.

Replacements: Lonergan, Robertson, Talakai, Hanigan, Samu, McDermott, Lolesio, Campbell.

Referee: Matthew Carley (RFU)

Assistant referees: Luke Pearce (RFU), Chris Busby (IRFU)

TMO: Joy Neville (IRFU).