by Our Sports Desk

Wales flanker Justin Tipuric hailed Australia’s “pretty special back row” yesterday ahead of a World Cup group decider between the countries.

Top spot in Pool A — and a potential quarter-final clash against Scotland or Japan — will be up for grabs in this Saturday’s Twickenham encounter.

The losers are likely to face a last-eight appointment with South Africa so the stakes are high, despite both teams having already escaped a pool of death that claimed host nation England.

And Tipuric, who could be on course for a start against Australia, has no doubt how big a challenge the Wallabies’ breakaway trio of Scott Fardy, Michael Hooper and David Pocock will present, although Hooper’s participation could now be in doubt after he was cited for alleged foul play in the England game.

“It’s a pretty special back row,” Tipuric said. “Fardy doesn’t get enough credit. He does a lot of the donkey work.

“Whoever plays there for them, they have strength in depth no matter what.

“The breakdown is a strength for them and we need to make sure we look after that ball. You are up against the best with Australia and it’s going to be a good test.”

Reflecting on Australia’s 33-13 demoliton of England that sent Chris Robshaw’s men through the World Cup exit door, Tipuric added: “Australia looked in control of it the whole time. They played to their strengths and their set-piece was on fire.

“I didn’t expect that much of a margin, but we all know Australia’s strengths.