Andrew Richards
BBC Sport Wales in Sydney

We popped over to a bar near the Allianz Stadium where around 200 Welsh fans had congregated.

Marisa, the organiser, said she wanted to bring Westgate Street to Sydney with flags, bunting and even song books so that everyone could get involved.

They even had Dafydd Iwan on the big screen.

What more could you want?

Image source, Huw Evans Picture Agency

Sir Keir Starmer is not the only new face in at number ten this week.

Also in red, Ben Thomas today makes his first Test start at fly-half in what is a major gamble by head coach Warren Gatland.

Wales have been searching for a successor to the retired Dan Biggar and unavailable Gareth Anscombe, with Gatland saying he wants a more physical option at 10 than Six Nations outside-halves Sam Costelow and Ioan Lloyd.

But Thomas has only made one start at 10 for Cardiff this season, with 16 appearances in his more natural inside-centre position.

"He's got the running attributes and could run a game for us at 10. He's looked comfortable for us during the week," said Gatland.

"We know he's got some work to do but it's a position where there isn't a huge amount of strength in depth."

South African fly-half Tinus de Beer started almost every match for Cardiff this season and with Callum Sheedy heading to the Arms park this summer, it's hard to see when Thomas will get any game-time in the role.

So is Gatland's gamble a sign of genius or desperation?

Thumbs up or down.

Image source, Huw Evans Picture Agency

Josh Hathaway makes his Wales debut while Cardiff centre Ben Thomas plays at fly-half.

Versatile Gloucester back Hathaway, who grew up in Aberystwyth and joined the Scarlets academy, represented both Wales and England at under-20 level.

But his move to Hartpury College led to a contract with Gloucester and he has enjoyed a breakthrough senior season, benefiting from the departure of club-mate Louis Rees-Zammit to the NFL.

Thomas, 25, replaces Sam Costelow. He makes his first international start in his third Test match following two replacement appearances in 2021.

Thomas partners Cardiff team-mate Ellis Bevan after the scrum-half made his debut in the 41-13 defeat against South Africa at Twickenham last month.

Bath tight-head prop Archie Griffin makes his first Test start in his second international while Christ Tshiunza is named at lock alongside Exeter team-mate Dafydd Jenkins, with number eight Aaron Wainwright winning his 50th cap.

Wales: Liam Williams; Josh Hathaway, Owen Watkin, Mason Grady, Rio Dyer; Ben Thomas, Ellis Bevan; Gareth Thomas, Dewi Lake (capt), Archie Griffin, Christ Tshiunza, Dafydd Jenkins, Taine Plumtree, Tommy Reffell, Aaron Wainwright.

Replacements: Evan Lloyd, Kemsley Mathias, Harri O'Connor, Cory Hill, James Botham, Kieran Hardy, Sam Costelow, Nick Tompkins.

Image source, Get

Liam Wright becomes the 89th Australia captain after being named as Joe Schmidt's first choice as skipper.

Wright has led Queensland Reds since 2020 and is handed the national captaincy in an inexperienced team.

Centre Josh Flook and lock Jeremy Williams make their Wallaby debuts with hooker Matt Faessler earning his first Test start.

There are a further five newcomers among the replacements, including Tom Lynagh, the son of World Cup winner Michael and brother of Italy international Louis.

Williams' first cap comes as part of a new-look second row with Lukhan Salakaia-Loto playing his first international since 2021.

Flook has a familiar face inside with Reds team-mate Hunter Paisami joining him in the midfield pairing.

NSW Waratahs captain Jake Gordon will combine with Noah Lolesio in the halves. The duo have started together three times previously for their country.

Only prop James Slipper, number eight Rob Valetini and wing Andrew Kellaway started the World Cup record defeat against Wales in France last year.

Australia: Tom Wright; Andrew Kellaway, Josh Flook, Hunter Paisami, Filipo Daugunu; Noah Lolesio, Jake Gordon: James Slipper, Matt Faessler, Taniela Tupou, Jeremy Williams, Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, Liam Wright (capt), Fraser McReight, Rob Valetini.

Replacements: Billy Pollard, Isaac Kailea, Allan Alaalatoa, Angus Blyth, Charlie Cale, Tate McDermott, Tom Lynagh, Dylan Pietsch.

Image source, Getty Images

Welcome to live coverage of the opening Test between Australia and Wales in Sydney.

Warren Gatland's side are aiming to create history by becoming the first Wales team to beat the Wallabies in Australia for 55 years.

Not since the days of Gareth Edwards and Barry John have Wales come away with a win against these hosts.

But could today be the day?

There's an air of expectation around the Allianz Stadium. with a new era beginning for Australia under new coach Joe Schmidt.

Let's face it, both teams are in desperate need of a win, in a game which is now expected to kick off at 1055 BST having originally been billed as a 1045 BST start.

But without further ado, let's take a look at the two teams.