The Wallabies have had a long season including a 2-1 series defeat to the British & Irish Lions, a third placed finish in the Rugby Championship and a tour of the northern hemisphere.
Under new boss Ewen McKenzie, the men in green and gold lost to England at Twickenham earlier this month but have impressed with further victories against Italy, Ireland and Scotland.
Now, they go into the last game of the tour looking to extend their winning run over Wales – a sequence which stretches back to 2008.
“It’s been a well talked up game this week but there’s a lot on the line,” said No. 8 Mowen.
“We play each other in the pool stages of the Rugby World Cup, we’ve had some really close battles in the last few years and both sides want to be in the top two in the world.
“We’ve got a lot to play for and everyone is looking forward to the contest on Saturday night.”
Much has been made of the Welsh presence on the Lions tour and how it could benefit those players moving forward.
Eleven of Wales’ starting XV tomorrow went to Australia last summer but rather than seeing that as a negative, Mowen is looking forward to renewing rivalries with the likes of opposite number Toby Faletau.
“Having experience against those players helps but we’re looking forward to the battle – it should be good,” he said.
“If we win this game it will have been a good tour. We were obviously very disappointed with the English game but apart from that, I think we’ve played some outstanding footy. In the last couple of weeks we’ve scored six or seven tries and conceded none so we’re getting a good balance between defence and attack.
“We know we have to have everything on song tomorrow night if we are to get a result against a good Welsh side. They have danger players all over the park. They’ve got a strong set piece and when you’re giving guys like Mike Phillips the chance to run, they can sting you. We have to make sure we win that battle up front first.”
Mowen has only just risen to the captaincy, taking over as leader from lock James Horwill.
“It’s been a year of firsts but if we could end tomorrow night with a good result it will be great,” he added.
“One thing I’ve done with the captaincy is use the experience of other guys. They’ve had a huge voice in the direction of the side and will continue to do so because we have to use the strengths available to us.
“Having guys like Stephen Moore and Adam Ashley-Cooper, who have played 90-odd Tests each, you have to draw on their experience.
“Tomorrow is building into a grand final game for both teams and we’re very excited by it.”
