The Millenium Stadium roof will be open to Cardiff's weather on Saturday © Getty Images

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Matches: Wales 16 - 25 Australia

Players/Officials: Robbie Deans | Rocky Elsom

Tournaments/Tours: Australia tour

Teams: Australia | Wales

The Wallabies' expansive game plan has been dealt a blow as Wales ensured the Millenium Stadium roof would remain open to the elements for Saturday's test.

Australia would prefer a dry, fast surface for their running rugby but they'll have to contend with likely rainfall come kick-off. Even if the clouds stay away for the match, the Millenium Stadium pitch has already been softened up by downpours during the week.

Both teams need to agree if the roof is to be closed but Wales have opted to keep it open. But Wales assistant coach Rob Howley rejected the notion the decision was designed to hinder Australia, citing instead the fact that New Zealand's stadia will be open to the elements at next year's World Cup.

"The reason we are doing it is because we want to get used to the conditions we will face in the World Cup in New Zealand," Howley said. "That is the bigger picture for us."

Australia coach Robbie Deans admitted his side would have to adjust to the conditions: "It has been resurfaced, it's not totally firm, it won't be totally fast, there will be moisture so it won't be straightforward and it will take some adaptation from our blokes. We've had some experience during the week of training in the rain and hopefully we're better for that."

Wallabies skipper Rocky Elsom said the need for adaptability was part and parcel of playing different teams around the world.

"Field position usually plays a bigger role up here," he said. "You need good rugby around that to support a win but there are small differences like that that can make a big differences, knowing when to put it into the corner, knowing when to slow the game down. It is a little slower as far as the deck goes. At times you need to focus on playing well when the ball's not being moved quickly."