THE build-up to the World Cup starts now, says Wales coach Shaun Edwards ahead of Saturday’s clash with Australia at the Millennium Stadium.

Last week marked the 12-month countdown to the final of the 2015 World Cup in England and Wales hope the road to Twickenham begins here.

“This feels like the start of the build-up to the Rugby World Cup,” said defence coach Edwards before the first of the Autumn International series, which also sees Fiji, New Zealand and South Africa come to Cardiff.

“There’s definitely been a step up in intensity from the players.

“We’ve really been working on our fitness levels and probably not doing as much rugby as we normally do but we are really building up now to what is going to happen in 12 months time.”

Centres Jonathan Davies and Scott Williams have both trained this week and no decision has been made on their availability for Saturday.

One man who has impressed with his levels of fitness is former Newport Gwent Dragons star Dan Lydiate, despite his inactivity at Racing Metro that will see him leave the French giants after the internationals.

“I know he hasn’t been playing much for Racing Metro but since he’s come in he’s looked in great shape,” said Edwards.

“He looks nearly as fit as he was in the Rugby World Cup (in 2011).

“His match fitness might not be right but his general all round condition is on a par with 2011 and 2012 when he won player of the tournament (in the Six Nations).

“I expect him to get up to speed a lot quicker than he did after his injury and being in such incredible condition has definitely put him in good stead as regards selection.

“Let’s be honest, it was a worry with Dan not playing over at Racing Metro but with his physical condition being that good I’m pretty sure he’ll be in with a chance of getting a game in the next few weeks.”

Edwards says discipline is the key if Wales are to record their first victory over Australia since 2008 after many near misses in recent years.

“We’ve spoken about trying to get over the line against the southern hemisphere Tri Nations teams but I’d be a lot more worried if we were getting beaten by 25 or 30 points,” added Edwards.

“It would be great to get a victory but I come from a background where I’ve been trying to beat Australia since I was 17 so I know how hard are to come by.

“As much as anything we have to be more disciplined. We’ve been a little bit ill-disciplined and this standard of rugby is tough enough with 15 on the pitch, never mind 14 or 13.”