Alun Wyn Jones has highlighted Wales’ intense preparations to face World Cup rivals Australia by revealing “there was a bit of red stuff flowing” in training.

Skipper Jones will become Wales’ most-capped player when he leads his country against the Wallabies in Tokyo on Sunday.

Jones wins his 130th cap, breaking the previous record held by prop Gethin Jenkins, with Wales unchanged following a 43-14 victory over Georgia on Monday.

A win for Wales would put them in pole position to win their group and set up a potential quarter-final against France or Argentina.

But if the Wallabies claim a 14th triumph from their last 15 meetings with Wales, then Gatland’s men could find themselves hurtling towards a last-eight appointment with England, so the stakes are high.

“There has been a few guys frustrated with selection, which is a good thing,” Jones said. “That breeds competitiveness within the squad.

“There was a bit of red stuff flowing yesterday, which was all well-meant because it was for the betterment of the team.

“We have tried things (in the World Cup warm-up Tests) and we’ve held a bit back. We had rotation in the warm-up games and we came out of the blocks well, like we asked, against Georgia.

“We have got another opportunity. Gats has already said we perform when big games come around. We have a big Test in front of us and we won’t shy away from that.”

While Wales field the same team for Sunday’s Pool D showdown, Australia boss Michael Cheika has made four changes – and Gatland believes that is a sign of respect.

“That’s how far we’ve come as a team over a number of years,” Gatland said.

“Losing games in the last minute in half a dozen contests can be quite demoralising, but we really focused on last autumn’s campaign and it was really important to us with two big games against Australia and South Africa.

“Australia was definitely one we went in trying to right the wrongs and coming away with a win.”

Gatland, meanwhile, paid a glowing tribute to his captain as he prepares for a record-breaking Wales appearance.

“He’s a great competitor,” Gatland said. “Since he’s been captain we don’t have as many fights at training, because he used to start most of them!

“That’s how competitive he was. People who get to the top have a drive and a desire to want to be successful, and he’s definitely done that.

“We’re very lucky to have him in the team and captaining the side.”