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Taulupe Faletau has highlighted Wales\u2019 sense of belief and confidence as they close in on a fourth successive Rugby World Cup quarter-final appearance.<\/p>\n
Australia\u2019s defeat against Fiji means that Wales are four points clear at the top of Pool C.<\/p>\n
They need a maximum of seven points from two more games \u2013 against the Wallabies next Sunday and then Georgia \u2013 to guarantee a last-eight spot as group winners.<\/p>\n
And that would maintain their impressive record under head coach Warren Gatland of reaching the knockout phase in every World Cup campaign he has overseen.<\/p>\n
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\u201cWith the work we have done we are very confident in the group of what we can do,\u201d number eight Faletau said.<\/p>\n
\u201cThat is our approach going forward with each game \u2013 knowing the work we have put in and backing that.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe togetherness we have built in that time together will put us in good stead.\u201d<\/p>\n
While Wales are in total control of their World Cup destiny, Eddie Jones\u2019 Australia have entered the last-chance saloon following a 22-15 loss to Fiji.<\/p>\n
It was Fiji\u2019s first triumph against the Wallabies since 1954, and Australia are hovering on the brink of a pool stage exit for the first time.<\/p>\n
When it comes to World Cup action, Wales and Australia are familiar rivals, having played each other seven times.<\/p>\n
And while Australia lead that particular series 4-3, Wales have won three of the last four in all competitions.<\/p>\n
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In each game we believe we can get a result against any team on the day<\/p>\n
Faletau added: \u201cWe have got to concentrate on ourselves. There will be a lot to work on from the Portugal game and we will look to make those improvements going into Australia.<\/p>\n
\u201cWith the time we have had together there is definitely belief within the group. In each game we believe we can get a result against any team on the day.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe will take confidence from the two wins, but there is definitely plenty to work on going into Australia.\u201d<\/p>\n
Faletau, who has won 102 caps, is two games into his return from a calf muscle injury that ruled him out of Wales\u2019 three-Test preparation schedule.<\/p>\n
He highlighted an impressive display against Portugal by claiming Wales\u2019 bonus-point touchdown, while he also made a try-saving tackle earlier in the contest.<\/p>\n
A further step up from the 32-year-old can now be realistically expected, and Gatland said: \u201cThe more game-time he has and a string of games, he gets better.<\/p>\n
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\u201cThat is why, even with the short turnaround (between Fiji and Portugal) we wanted to give him some more rugby.<\/p>\n
\u201cI thought he did some really good things, and he will continue to get better with more rugby.\u201d<\/p>\n