Wales are facing a pivotal game against Australia (evens for victory on Betfred rugby union coupon) as they look to develop their side for next year’s Six Nations.

That is the view of the Welsh coach Warren Gatland, who has seen his side lose against New Zealand and beat Samoa and Argentina in their November tests.

Wales must face Australia (10/11 for victory on coupon) at the Millennium Stadium on Saturday evening without captain Ryan Jones but have recalled scrum half Dwayne Peel to the side ahead of Gareth Cooper.

Gatland told the BBC Wales face a series of challenges to be serious contenders for the next World Cup and must do well in the Six Nations (Wales 10/3 to win the 2010 Six Nations on outright coupon) and then look for victories over southern hemisphere teams.

“It is a real pivotal game in terms of our progression as we must win the big games at home, and regularly,” he said.

“It is easy for any team going into a game as underdogs knowing that if you play well on the day that you have a chance of turning over one of these big teams. But it is how we handle the expectation of us perhaps going into the game as favourites and this is a challenge for the team for taking that next step.”

Gethin Jenkins will captain the side in the absence of Jones, while Dan Lydiate (25/1 to be first try scorer on coupon) is expected to come into the side and Andy Powell will switch to number eight.

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