WARREN Gatland says Wales will be a "different beast" when they attempt to end a seven-year wait for a win against Australia when the old foes meet at the World Cup, writes Chris Kirwan.

The Wallabies notched a 10th win on the spin against Gatland's men thanks to Bernard Foley's late drop goal and penalty at the Millennium Stadium on Saturday.

The last five of them have been by under a score and Wales will need to find something extra if they are to emerge from Group A at the World Cup, which also pits them against hosts England.

"When we face Australia in the World Cup we think it's going to be a different beast, a different animal is going to be facing them in that pool game," said Gatland.

"We said our time together will be a big upward curve and we will continue to get better.

"The frustrating thing about being an international coach is you don't get that time together, but having that four-five month period from May-June to October means you can get that in-depth coaching and conditioning into the players.

"The players will be clear about things, that's important and something to be excited about."

"We matched their intensity and tempo and we'll only get better and stronger when we have that preparation time," he continued.

"We'll see a big upward curve in this team as a group and as individuals going into the World Cup and the question is, how much upside has Australia got?"

Gatland says he will tinker with his squad for Saturday's Test against Fiji before attempting to end a losing streak that currently stands at 21 against the big three when New Zealand and South Africa head to Cardiff.

He was delighted that his charges outscored the tourists by four tries to three courtesy of scores by Rhys Webb, Alex Cuthbert, Alun Wyn Jones and a penalty try following a series of scrums.

"We haven't done that for a while against one of these big teams and we looked comfortable on the ball," Gatland said.

"Australia are hard to break down and keep the ball well themselves but our ball retention will get better.

"The pleasing thing is we've encouraged a bit more risk-taking and off-loading and our decision-making got behind them a couple of times.

"I'm not happy with the result but I'm happy with the performance and there's something to build on."