2015 Rugby World Cup Tips: Australia Vs. Fiji
Australia kick-off their 2015 Rugby World Cup campaign with a clash against Fiji which will be played at the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff. This Pool ‘A’ game will kick-off at 15:45 GMT on Wednesday, 23rd September.
The Wallabies are in a tough group being paired with England and Wales. Both these teams started their tournaments with bonus point wins. The onus is now on the two-time former Champions to respond likewise over Fiji. The 2nd ranked Wallabies, of course, cannot take the 9th ranked Fiji lightly.
Fiji was defeated by England 35-11 on the opening day although the islanders pushed the hosts for most part of the first 70 minutes at Twickenham. If they had enough gas in the tank for another ten minutes, it could have been an upset over the hosts.
Fiji is known for its unpredictability but the influence of former Bulls mentor Frans Ludeke has blunted the irregular play and added much more solidity to the line-up. Key areas like kickoffs and lineouts are no longer the soft underbelly for Fiji. This could mean trouble for Wallabies if they do not stay awake to the threat.
What should aid the Aussies is the fact that Fiji would be facing a fresh Australian side immediately after a physical test against England. Fiji was never in the race for qualifying from the “pool of death” but the defeat almost ended their hopes. Coach John McKee still believes that focusing on the Wallabies’ challenge would help them in the group.
Wallabies coach Michael Cheika is expecting the Fijians to come aggressively at them. He would be wary of the challenge that lays in wait especially after the Springboks lost to Japan.
The plan to unleash David Pocock and Michael Hooper together could push Fiji. The double breakdown threat is sure to produce a lot of quick ball for a lethal backline and it could push Fiji to run more and test their strength. Cheika promised that his team will continue to play an exciting brand of rugby in the World Cup.
In a high paced game, the scrum-halves will be the ones in spotlight. The service and decision making of Will Genia will be put to serious test and his experience should serve him well.
Fiji may be one of the most dangerous counter-attacking sides around but Australia should be good enough to put it across and come out trumps. Unfortunately Australia are too short to back in the head-to-head markets, but we consider Fiji a chance to keep this one within the generous 26-point line.
Tip: Fiji at the line (+26.5) – $1.90 at Crownbet
