RWC: We're desperate to win group - Gatland

Warren Gatland claimed England couldn't afford his services. Photo / Getty

The bold call to switch six players for tomorrow's Test against Australia could justify Warren Gatland's tongue-in-cheek claim that stricken England can't afford him.

It would be one of the Kiwi's most impressive feats if his attacking Wales line-up beat the Wallabies to finish top of Pool A.

Few expected the injury-hit Welsh to challenge for the quarter-finals, but - qualification guaranteed - Gatland has signalled his intent by naming an unfamiliar starting XV that includes winger George North in the centres.

'We are desperate to win this group,' said Gatland. 'It makes the road a little easier than the other side of the draw, giving us a second-seed team in the quarter-final.

'George gives us that footwork and physical presence in midfield. I think eventually that's where he'll end up as he gets older, moving from the wing. He's trained well and looks sharp.'

North and his team-mates enjoyed an evening with Welsh comedian Rob Brydon earlier in the week. The mood in camp has been in stark contrast to that of England, with Gatland comparing the outcry against coach Stuart Lancaster to an assassination.

'I rang Stuart in the week,' said Gatland, who has been tipped as a potential successor to Lancaster. 'He texted back and said he appreciates the support. I just hope he's OK, and his family. That's more important than the rugby. We're all in this together so we understand the pressures.'

The Wallabies will be without suspended flanker Michael Hooper at Twickenham, but Gatland has opted for two breakdown specialists in Sam Warburton and Justin Tipuric.

'It gives us options,' said Gatland. 'The way Australia have been playing with David Pocock, it's going to be a fierce contest at the breakdown and we have two world-class players at six and seven in Sam and Justin.'

Michael Cheika's side will miss the niggly presence of Hooper, who was cited for a hit on Mike Brown, but the all-clear for full back Israel Folau provides them with a boost.

Arguably the most gifted player in world rugby, Folau will line up against international rookie Gareth Anscombe, who makes his first Wales start alongside Alex Cuthbert and Liam Williams in the back three.

The last time Anscombe started an international was with New Zealand Under 20s. Having played for the Chiefs in the Super 15, Wales's Kiwi-import is hoping his Southern Hemisphere experience will stand him in good stead.

'I played 15 against the Waratahs and Folau climbed all over me on the high balls,' said Anscombe. 'They all go down if you go low.

'Aussie sides are very smart tactically and don't miss a beat. I'm sure they've got a few plans to expose us. With the back line we've got, we can cause a few problems and have a licence to run.'

The Australian pack disproved myths about a weak scrum with their set-piece performance against England. It has forced Gatland to ring the changes in his front row, resting Lions veteran Gethin Jenkins and picking Paul James and Samson Lee either side of hooker Scott Baldwin.

'We've done a lot of work on our scrum this week,' said Gatland. 'In the past it's been perceived as an Australian weakness but it will be a big challenge for us. With the amount of work we've done, we're confident our scrum will go well.'

Wales are on a 10-match losing streak against the Wallabies but the margins of defeat have been getting smaller. If Cheika's description of Gatland as a genius is correct - 'he said the same the week before,' joked Gatland - that elusive victory might be at hand.

-Daily Mail