Australia v Wales: rugby union international – live

You don’t have to score tries to win rugby matches, but they do help.

Wales have to find a spark here. I said earlier that I can’t see this turning into a freewheeling contest, but the Aussies will still have a go, and you’d think that they’ll eventually find a hole.

Wales, therefore, will have to right a particular wrong.

Does history matter more than recent form?

It’s been 55 years since Wales beat the Wallabies on Australian soil. Back in 1969, a 19-16 win at the Sydney Cricket Ground was secured by a team stacked with legends. Barry John, Gareth Edwards, JPR Williams and John Dawes were on hand to clinch a famous triumph.

Since then, though, it’s been all green and gold with the Wallabies beating Wales at home in 11 consecutive matches.

However, Wales were magnificent the last time they met. At last year’s World Cup, a disjointed display by Eddie Jones’ team saw Wales pummel Australia 40-6 – their biggest every win in this fixture.

Lucky number seven for the Wallabies?

Seven players make their debut today and they’ll be skippered by Liam Wright, the Queensland Red who was “surprised” to be handed the leadership role.

Wright is Australia’s seventh captain in the past 12 months.

Joe Schmidt has 13 Tests between now and the start of the arrival British & Irish Lions but that hasn’t stopped him fielding a new-look outfit for his first assignment.

Seven debutants, a new skipper and fresh combinations all round, this is most certainly a whole new chapter for the Wallabies.

James Slipper remains, however, and will form the cornerstone of a formidable starting front row. Rob Valetini, in the running for most dynamic No. 8 in the world, adds heft in the loose.

I’m a big fan of Noah Lolesio, but can he get enough front foot ball to work with, and will a relatively unknown back-line add some spark on the outside?

We’ll find out soon enough.

Amidst a torrid spell, Wales’ rangy back-rower has shone. He was my pick for Warren Gatland’s player of the Six Nations and he brings up a half century of caps today.

Liam Williams provides 90 caps’ worth of expereince at full-back but otherwise it’s a green group with nine players possessing less than 10 Test to their name, including Gloucester’s Josh Hathaway who makes his debut on the wing.

If ever there was a game involving two teams desperate for a win, this is it.

On and off the pitch, both Australia and Wales have endured spells that, one could argue, represents the lowest points in their respective histories. Wales have lost seven in a row and have the memory of a historic wooden spoon in last year’s Six Nations fresh in the memory.

The Wallabies were unceremoniously dumped out of last year’s World Cup at the group stage and parted ways with Eddie Jones following his disastrous (and brief) tenure as head coach.

And that’s before we talk about young stars walking away from union, some joining the NFL, others switching to rugby league. Chuck in a host of off-field maladies, including a whole heap of missing cash and poor management of the game and what you have are two proud unions that could really do with some good news.

Will that render this a slugfest with both sets of inexperienced players spooked into a conservative game? Or will they throw caution to the wind, daring to become heroes when their nations need one?

I’m expecting the former but hoping for the latter. Either way, every touch of the ball, every tackle, every ruck will carry meaning. Sound the ‘delicately poised’ klaxon. We could have a classic on our hands.

My name is Daniel/Dan and I’m chuffed to be calling this for you. Drop me a mail if you fancy sharing a thought with the group.

Kick-off at 7:45pm in Sudney/ 10:45am BST.

Teams and updates to follow.