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The memories of Australia's gutsy Rugby World Cup pool win over Wales four years ago are still fresh for Will Genia, who wants a repeat showing in Tokyo.

Will Genia has urged the Wallabies to summon their fighting spirit from the 2015 Rugby World Cup when they face Wales in a pivotal pool match in Tokyo.

With top place in group D and a smoother quarter-final path probably at stake, veteran halfback Genia wants his men lift to a new level of intensity in Sunday's match at Tokyo Stadium.

That's what they did at the tournament four years ago in what has been hailed as one of Australia's great Test defensive showings to prevail 15-6.

Victory in a clash of two unbeaten teams gave the Wallabies a smooth passage to the final compared to Wales, who were eliminated in the quarter-finals by South Africa.

The bruising match at Twickenham came alive entering the final quarter when Genia and lock Dean Mumm were shown yellow cards within minutes of each other.

Up by six points at the time, 13 Australian defenders kept a Wales attacking onslaught at bay, much to the amazement of a sidelined Genia.

"Just an immense defensive effort. I remember one tackle (No.8) Benny McCalman I think made where he held (wing) George North over the line," Genia said.

"A couple of plays later they had probably six on three and we ended up snuffing it out and getting a penalty.

"Just a big, big defensive effort... but it's something we're going to have to have come Sunday as well."

Australia haven't restricted any team to six points in the 51 Tests since.

However, they were victims themselves of a passionate defensive display in Cardiff last November when beaten 9-6 by a Wales side who ended a run of 13 straight losses to the Wallabies.

Genia said that result won't have any sort of psychological impact this week.

"For me personally, I don't feel like it's changed my mindset heading into the game," he said.

"I hope that's the case for the rest of the guys as well because we've had plenty of success against them in years gone by.

"Hopefully guys still have confidence in their ability."

Genia's 107th Test cap could be in the run-on XV after impressing with his composure off the bench in the opening win over Fiji.

Nic White endured a difficult afternoon but Genia insisted both players - the only halfbacks in the squad - aren't fussed whether they start or provide impact off the bench.

"I reallly enjoy that working relationship because we see the game in a similar way," he said.

"When you're sitting back watching and you know what to look for, you know how to change a game before you get on."