HOOKER Richard Hibbard believes Wales can finally beat Australia on Saturday after years of near-misses.

Lee Byrne and Shane Williams were the try-scorers when Wales last overcame the Wallabies, 21-18, six years ago - and they have lost no fewer than nine in a row since.

Hibbard was one of 15 Welshman to experience a series win Down Under with the British & Irish Lions last year, led by Wales head coach Warren Gatland.

But the former Ospreys star is sceptical about the value of that experience when it comes to Saturday’s autumn international clash at the Millennium Stadium.

“It helps a little bit, I suppose, but we’re Wales now and we’ve got to beat them as Wales,” said the 30-year-old now playing in the Aviva Premiership with Gloucester.

“We’ve come so close in the last four games when the spread has been 12 points so it’s definitely coming.”

Hibbard missed Wales' summer tour of South Africa after undergoing shoulder surgery, with Scarlets rival Ken Owens impressing in the No. 2 jersey against the Boks.

Owens is sidelined until next month after undergoing an operation on a neck problem and Hibbard is relishing a demanding autumn campaign that will also see Wales face world champions New Zealand and the Springboks.

“It is good to be back,” said Hibbard. “After missing the South Africa tour, I am looking forward to getting back out there.

“The boys have worked hard over the last couple of weeks, there has been a big conditioning focus, and they have really put a shift in.”

Hibbard also gave a thumbs-up to the new hybrid surface at the Millennium Stadium, which was unveiled this week, and suggested that it will lead to a high-tempo clash with the Australians.

“It is very fast out there,” he said. “If it holds up like the Liberty it will be an amazing pitch, it is pristine all the time there, it doesn’t cut up. We are very happy with it.

“In last year’s game we didn’t have a scrum until the 53rd minute and that was on a different pitch so it should be a fast game,” he added.

“The pitch will help with the tempo of the game and it will be fun.

“Australia like to keep the games fast, with a high tempo; that’s how they win games. Hopefully we can match that.”