IN THIS rugby-obsessed part of the globe, Wallabies five-eighth Matt Giteau can do no wrong, while halfback Luke Burgess is struggling to convince some he can do anything right.

Great praise. Dreadful condemnation. Nothing in between … but no matter what, how well this half combination lead Australia around Millennium Stadium early tomorrow morning (Sydney time) will determine whether the Wallabies can enjoy their first unbeaten European tour since 1996, or have it end in despair like so many other recent northern ventures if they fail to overcome the Six Nations champions.

As in 1996, when the Wallabies under coach Greg Smith played some dreadful football but still defeated Italy, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, the 2008 brand has not been entirely convincing as they struggled against Italy, picked up against England, but were extremely lucky against France.

Nonetheless the prestige of finishing the European leg without a loss is important for this young team, and for their new coach Robbie Deans, it is critical - triumph breeds good habits, and more importantly self-belief.

No doubt this touring team is far more settled, happier and unified than many previous Wallabies touring sides, when there was a divide between the inner sanctum and the rest. The bonhomie has been enhanced by the influx of new blood into the squad, but the tour's success ultimately hinges on a master-apprentice relationship.

Giteau is the heart and soul of this team, and his poised performances, except for an off day in Padova, has allowed the side to play with purpose and direction. He has attracted endless plaudits, none more emphatic than that from former Wales five-eighth Jonathan Davies, who said Giteau was now the best No.10 and best support player in the world.

Davies said Giteau headed All Blacks five-eighth Daniel Carter because "he does more for Australia and is a bigger part of their game plan than Carter is for New Zealand". Carter, as part of an "outstanding" All Blacks team, tends to "drop in and out of games", whereas Giteau, "because of the nature of the side he plays in, has to take more on himself".

The back slapping has not been extended to Giteau's halves partner. Burgess has attracted the full glare of international critics, with his erratic service - including an abominable pass against France - resulting in him being crucified by some analysts.

Former Wales representative Gareth Davies didn't hold back this week when he told the Herald Burgess was a "pretty average" halfback who should spend six months learning how to pass when he gets back to Sydney.

"The guy can't pass. That is a pretty important ingredient for a scrum-half," Davies said. "People have worked him out. He takes that step, or sometimes two, and people are just getting to him. He must be a nightmare to play outside."

Burgess is a hard self-marker and, when told of Davies's remarks yesterday, admitted Davies had a point. "I know where I'm at, and I need to work on my game," Burgess said. "He [Davies] is certainly probably right in a few instances. But this has been such a fantastic learning curve for me, and I've enjoyed every second of playing … here in the cold, the wet, the hostile stadiums and against hostile packs. I've got coaches looking after my passing technique … we're working hard on it."

Deans has said Wales will be Australia's toughest European opponents - particularly for the halves. They are confrontational, irritating opponents who know how to excel at speed. Their aggressive, in-your-face defence can destabilise opponents and, with the shrewd New Zealander Warren Gatland in charge, they will attempt to put enormous pressure on Burgess and Giteau.

Wales are aware that Burgess can be rattled by close attention. The French showed as much last week. Giteau is a more difficult target to get at, but Wales last Saturday succeeded in keeping Carter quiet.

Another worrying factor for the Wallabies is that Irish referee Alan Lewis is in charge - the same whistleblower who made such a hash of the Bledisloe Cup match in Hong Kong last month.

All the Wallabies can hope for is that Lewis this time referees both sides at the breakdown, remembers that forward passes are not allowed, and actually keeps up with the game. But the Wallabies are not holding their breath. They will have to take the initiative.

HOW THEY LINE UP

WALES

Lee Byrne, Mark Jones, Tom Shanklin, Jamie Roberts, Shane Williams, Stephen Jones, Gareth Cooper, Andy Powell, Martyn Williams, Ryan Jones (c), Ian Gough, Alun-Wyn Jones, Adam Jones, Matthew Rees, Gethin Jenkins. Reserves: Richard Hibbard, John Yapp, Luke Charteris, Dafydd Jones, Martin Roberts, James Hook, Andrew Bishop.

AUSTRALIA

Drew Mitchell; Peter Hynes, Ryan Cross, Stirling Mortlock (c), Digby Ioane; Matt Giteau, Luke Burgess; Richard Brown, Phil Waugh, Hugh McMeniman, Nathan Sharpe, Mark Chisholm, Al Baxter, Stephen Moore, Benn Robinson. Reserves: Adam Freier, Matt Dunning, Dean Mumm, George Smith, Sam Cordingley, Quade Cooper, Lote Tuqiri.

TELEVISION:

Live, 1am Sunday, Channel 10.