 Roff has swapped rugby glory for the student life in Oxford |
Former Australia wing Joe Roff says that Wales will be favourites to claim a second successive win over the Wallabies when they meet on 4 November. "Australia are talking of trialling players in different positions, like Matt Giteau at nine and Mark Gerrard at 10," the 76-cap man told BBC Sport.
"I disagree with that - the autumn Tests in Europe are so difficult.
"They see it as the best time to try things, but it's not if you want to be competitive with Wales in Cardiff."
 | It was the end of my rugby career and it was a choice between joining the real world or becoming a student again |
The Wallabies open their European tour against the Ospreys in Swansea on 1 November before meeting Wales, Italy (11 November), Ireland A (15 November), Ireland (19 November), Scotland A (21 November) and Scotland (25 November).
But Roff, 31, has taken a very different path, enrolling as a student at Oxford University this term where he is taking a two-year postgraduate course in philosophy, politics and economics from Harris Manchester College.
"It was the end of my rugby career and it was a choice between joining the real world or becoming a student again," said the two-time World Cup finalist, who claimed the William Webb Ellis trophy in Cardiff in 1999.
"I thought that the student life was the better option - although I felt quite old alongside all the 19- and 20-year-olds in fresher's week!
"It's just a great opportunity and something I always wanted to do.
| I don't feel I'm missing out on the Wallabies tour because I know exactly how much hard work the boys will be doing right now |
"The academic challenge has always appealed, and the Varsity Match holds an enchantment for me, I can't wait for the game in December."
As he settles back in to the student life, Roff has few regrets at missing the Wallabies tour.
"I do miss the company of the guys, but with Australia bringing a young squad and resting some of the older players there are not that many names I recognise," he said.
"I don't feel I'm missing out on the Wallabies tour because I know exactly how much hard work the boys will be doing right now."
*Joe Roff was speaking to BBC Radio Wales' Scrum V programme, which has a regular slot on Thursdays, 1900-2000 BST
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