Stephen Jones expects Australia to "ask big questions" of Wales in Saturday's autumn Test finale at the Millennium Stadium.

Jones and company have been installed as favourites to repeat their 2008 home victory over the Wallabies, when the fly-half helped mastermind a stirring 21-18 success.

The tourists know that another defeat seven days after suffering a first loss against Scotland since 1982 would hardly appease critics Down Under.

Australia have triumphed in just two of their last 10 Tests, results that turned up the heat on head coach Robbie Deans.

And the Wallabies' recent record in Cardiff - two defeats, one draw and a solitary win - does not give cause for optimism.

But Jones, who will win his 83rd cap, has been around long enough to know it is a risky business writing off any Australian side - and this weekend is no exception.

"If someobody is going to make us favourites against Australia, that's great from our perspective," he said.

"It's a new challenge and a new pressure for us, something we have got to deal with.

"This is a massive game for us. We had a good win last weekend (against Argentina) and we want to keep the momentum going.

"But Australia are very creative, and technically they are always very good. They cause a lot of problems, and they will ask big questions of us defensively.

"They are sharp, they create problems and cut attacking lines. It's going to be a big challenge, especially in defence."

And key to the Wallabies' attacking edge, Jones believes, will be his opposite number Matt Giteau.

Brumbies star Giteau endured a miserable day with the boot at Murrayfield, highlighted by a last-gasp conversion miss as Australia crashed 9-8 to Scotland.

Wales coach Warren Gatland is among those who does not expect a repeat display from the 27-year-old, and Jones added: "Matt Giteau is a great player.

"He's one of the best attacking 10s there is. He brings players around him on to the ball, so it is not just a case of marking him up well, but also marking the fringes."

Wales showed their attacking intent against Argentina, scoring three tries that followed the 17 clear line-breaks made in their opening two autumn appointments with New Zealand and Samoa.

Wales versus Australia clashes have a reputation for producing high-scoring, try-laden encounters - contests that regularly underline both teams' admirable attacking instincts.

And for Wales, tomorrow's Test is about topping up confidence levels and maintaining momentum towards their RBS 6 Nations opener against England at Twickenham in 10 weeks' time.

"We are at a stage now where we've got a cracking squad and a great set-up in terms of facilities and coaches," said Jones.

"And if you want to be the best - which is what we want to be - you have got to win regularly against the best teams in the world.

"You want it to become a habit."

Crucial to Saturday's outcome will be the Wales half-back combination of Jones and Sale Sharks' Dwayne Peel, former Scarlets colleagues who are reunited at Test level for a first time since February last year.

"I am looking forward to playing alongside Dwayne again," added Jones.

"He tells me straight if he doesn't think I am doing something well, and we have that trust and understanding with each other."

And Gatland is also looking for 71 times-capped Peel to make his mark, having regained the number nine shirt after an an autumn series that started with him being unavailable to face the All Blacks.

"This is an important game for Dwayne," said Gatland.

"It has been hard for him over the last couple of years. He has had injury issues and then the problems over his release (from club duty), which has been difficult.

"He didn't play against the All Blacks because of that, but he did well against Samoa and made an impact coming off the bench against Argentina.

"In the past, he was one of the first names read out on the team-sheet. Now, he is having to work hard to fight for his position, and he has responded really well."