2015 Rugby World Cup: Australia V Wales Preview
The 2015 Rugby World Cup continues with Wales set to host Australia at Twickenham in London on Saturday. This Pool A match kicks off at 2:45am AEDST Sunday, October 11 and will be the last pool game for both the sides.
Both sides have beaten England in contrasting styles and confirmed their progress into the quarter-finals. However, there is the carrot of topping the group that lies ahead for the winner of this clash. Neither team would like to lose as the second-placed team will take on South Africa in the quarter-finals followed by a potential semi-final with New Zealand.
This scenario makes this a much more interesting match. A draw would be enough to send the Wallabies through as winners considering their superior points differential.
Wales’ coach Warren Gatland is relieved that his team has qualified from the group of death. But he knows very well that if they can continue their form for one more match, their path to the finals would be simpler.
Wales could go with two specialist open flankers with Sam Warburton and Justin Tipuric tipped to line up for them. But they would be wary of their poor record against Australia – Wales have not beaten Australia since 2008. They have lost 10 in a row against the Wallabies since then.
Australian coach Michael Cheika would be mightily impressed by his side’s performance against England. The pressure of qualification is no longer there but the prospect of facing South Africa and New Zealand should spur them to put it across Wales.
Sean McMahon will play for the Wallabies after Michael Hooper was banned for a shoulder charge during England game. The team is very experienced which should give them an edge in this potentially volatile encounter.
Australia won their last 10 matches against Wales with the last nine being won by margins of fewer than 10 points. Both sides have conceded just two tries so far which is the joint fewest in the tournament.
If Australia played the same way as they dismantled England, Wales will have a difficult time. The odds for the Aussie victory are $1.35 at Sportsbet which doesn’t offer great value. There is every chance that the Wallabies win by 13 points or more which is offered at the juicier odds of $2.60 at CrownBet.
An interesting match that will determine progress to the finals is in store for us on Saturday evening as Wales tackle the Wallabies.
