Australia v Wales: Tourists in optimistic mood ahead of opening Test in Brisbane After all, since that infamous moment when the captain, Sam Warburton, was sent off by Alain Rolland in the semi-final of the World Cup in Auckland, it has been onwards and upwards for a side fully deserving their fifth position in rugby's world rankings. Even though Shane Williams and Martyn Williams have since retired from the game and one or two more miss out today due to injury, most notably Jamie Roberts and Huw Bennett, there is little doubt that Warren Gatland's side are capable of beating the Wallabies in Australia for the first time since 1969. Gatland will be another notable absentee because of the broken heels he suffered in a spring fall from a ladder at his New Zealand home. However, caretaker coach Rob Howley led his side to victory over the Barbarians in Cardiff last weekend and is hoping to provide his coaching mentor with another boost in his bid to recover full fitness. "We are well prepared and looking forward to the challenge," said Howley, who is able to pick Warburton despite the Cardiff Blues flanker having not played for 11 weeks because of injury. The return of Warburton will certainly boost Welsh chances as will the presence of Toulon-bound Gethin Jenkins and Adam Jones in a front row that includes the Scarlets hooker Ken Owens. If, as they say, a wounded animal is at its most dangerous, Wales should beware a Wallabies side still smarting from a 9-6 loss at the hands of Scotland, on Tuesday. Coach Robbie Deans has made nine changes to the team who started in Newcastle and Howley is well aware of the challenge that lies ahead. Losing on Tuesday will make them even more determined.