British and Irish Lions

The Wallabies' four-Test schedule has been confirmed for later this year, with Tests against Wales, Italy, Ireland and Scotland on successive Saturdays from November 4-25.

Australia are due to face Wales at the Millennium Stadium during the 2007 World Cup pool stage, while they have not played Italy in Rome for 18 years.

"With the World Cup just a year away, it is fantastic for the younger players to have the opportunity to go on tour with the more experienced players and develop their skills," said Wallabies coach John Connolly.

"We have a line-up of strong opponents, and we will be looking at this tour as a chance to benchmark the opposition ahead of next year's World Cup."

Australia are also looking to include some midweek games during the tour.

Tour dates: November 4 - Wales (Cardiff), November 11 - Italy (Rome), November 18 - Ireland (Dublin), November 25 - Scotland (Edinburgh).

Qantas Wallabies head coach Robbie Deans says he picked his Test team for Saturday's opening international based on how his side plans to play rather than on what The British & Irish Lions will bring to the table.

Warren Gatland says he and his British & Irish Lions Test team are fully aware of the size of the threat posed by Qantas Wallabies wing Israel Folau this weekend.

Less than four kilometres away from the Suncorp Stadium, venue for the opening Test between the British & Irish Lions and Qantas Wallabies on Saturday, lies the grave of the man who took the starring role in the first international between the two teams in 1899.