Wales haven’t beaten Australia since 2008, but according to fullback James Hook, the tide is about to turn in favour of Warren Gatland’s men.

Since that 21-18 victory in Cardiff, the Welsh have lost 10 straight Test matches to the Wallabies, including a 3-0 series defeat in Australia in 2012, however Hook is confident his side can beat Australia and claim top spot of Pool A.

“The boys spoke about how much heartache we have had against Australia in the past so we go in to Saturday’s match with huge motivation,” said the 30-year-old utility back.

“Of course they are beatable … everyone is … it’s just about getting it right on the day.

Despite Australia’s dominant record, Hook believes their hasn’t been much between the two nations in recent times.

“There have been last-minute kicks and last-minute tries. The boys are hoping luck will change and there’s no better time than this weekend. We will give it our all,” pledged Hook.

“It’s difficult to overcome but we have beat South Africa in recent times. We hadn’t won at Twickenham in 20 years but we did that in 2008 and have consistently since. We play quality teams but we know, as a squad, we can beat them.”

Wales were pipped in all three Tests in Australia in 2012 and then went down from the final play of the match at the Millennium Stadium later in the year.

“The boys have got so close but right at the end missed out. We will use that as motivation to take into this weekend. And we know, if we beat Australia, we will be in the other (softer) half of the draw. 

“Having said that, once you are in the knockout stages, whoever you are up against will be tough.”

Recent form (11 Tests. Australia 10, Wales 1)

29^th November, 2008 – Cardiff: Wales 21-18 Australia

28^th November, 2009 – Cardiff: Australia 33-12 Wales

6^th November, 2010 – Cardiff: Australia 25-16 Wales

21^st October, 2011 – Auckland: Australia 21-18 Wales

3^rd December, 2011 – Cardiff: Australia 24-18 Wales

9^th June, 2012 – Brisbane: Australia 27-19 Wales

16^th June, 2012 – Melbourne: Australia 25-23 Wales

23^rd June, 2012 – Sydney: Australia 20-19 Wales

1^st December, 2012 – Cardiff: Australia 14-12 Wales

30^th November, 2013 – Cardiff: Australia 30-26 Wales

8^th November, 2014 – Cardiff: Australia 33-28 Wales