Wales are in for a tough one. Hiding their wooden spoon behind their backs, they’ll be hoping the back-to-back world champions don’t decide to cook up a storm this afternoon. 

There are notable absences from Warren Gatland’s side. First-choice scrum-half Tomas Williams is out having ruptured ankle ligaments, while hooker Henry Thomas has been withdrawn from the starting XV due to a foot injury sustained in training. That’s before you even take into account notable stalwarts, such as George North, leaving sizable holes having retired following Wales’ wooden spoon in this year’s Six Nations.

Gatland is all too aware of the challenge his side face, and of the pain that might ensue. But, knowing that these are the experiences that can form future-winning outfits, he’s looking forward to what is the ultimate test.

“You have to go through that pain sometimes and be able to come out the other side. There is nothing wrong with that – you have to be brave and overcome your fear factor.

“You are going out there and playing against big men and it’s going to hurt. You have to go through some pain. That is the way you improve, by playing against the best. That’s not just in rugby but any sport – it is the biggest part of your development,” the Wales coach said.

“Test match rugby is tough and physical, and you have got to be able to handle adversity. It is probably not the politically correct thing at the moment in today’s society, but you have to be mentally tough.”

Wales will be running head first into the greatest challenge in rugby right now  – a one-off clash against the back-to-back world champions. They will need to be on it from kick off otherwise they could be in for a thumping.

Stay here to see if they’re up to the test, and for all the  pre-match build up and action, with kick-off set for 2pm.