RWC Australia v F1j1

[travelling_gerry]

Wallabies Head Coach Michael Cheika has named his team for its opening match of Rugby World Cup 2015 against Fiji at Millennium Stadium, Cardiff on Wednesday (1.45am Thursday AEST).

The Wallabies head into the match with seven Rugby World Cup debutants in the starting XV including Scott Sio, Kane Douglas, Scott Fardy, Michael Hooper, Bernard Foley, Tevita Kuridrani and Israel Folau.

Captain Stephen Moore is set to become the first hooker to skipper the Wallabies at a Rugby World Cup in his 97th Test in the gold jersey, leading an experienced starting lineup which boasts a combined 720 Test caps.

In his first Rugby World Cup as Head Coach, Cheika is looking forward to the Wallabies entering the tournament and the challenge that lies ahead.

“We’ve been working hard over the past few months and it’s great be able to finally pick a team and get started.
“We know Fiji are a good quality Rugby team and in good form. They’ve showed that recently during the Pacific Cup and their opening match against England at this World Cup.
“The players have an enormous amount of respect for them and the way they're playing the game, especially the improvements in their set piece.

“Our groundwork is done now and we are eager to get into the battle – a battle we know will be very intense against this Fiji side," said Cheika.

Scrumhalf Will Genia returns to the run-on side for the first time since the Wallabies’ 24-20 win over South Africa in the opening match of The Rugby Championship in July.
Cheika is looking at giving all players game time in the opening rounds of the tournament, with the Wallabies set to play Uruguay on a short four-day turnaround at Villa Park, Birmingham on Sunday (Monday morning AEST).

“It's important to give everyone an opportunity early on. We've done that throughout our lead up to this tournament and I believe it's a good way to go.

“Will and Nick (Phipps) complement one another. Nick is a very effective player and I think we saw that in the South Africa match when he came off the bench and lit up the game.
“Will has returned from injury in great shape and has been training really well since he came back into the squad.”
The Wallabies' opening match will be screened LIVE in Australia on FOX SPORTS 502 and GEM from 1:30am AEST on Thursday.

Rugby World Cup 2015 Match 10: Wallabies team to play Fiji at Millennium Stadium, Cardiff
Wednesday, September 23, 4:45pm local time (1:45am AEST, Thursday, September 24)
1. Scott Sio (10 Tests)
2. Stephen Moore - c (96 Tests)
3. Sekope Kepu (56 Tests)
4. Kane Douglas (16 Tests)
5. Rob Simmons (53 Tests)
6. Scott Fardy (24 Tests)
7. Michael Hooper - vc (46 Tests)
8. David Pocock (50 Tests)
9. Will Genia (60 Tests)
10. Bernard Foley (21 Tests)
11. Rob Horne (27 Tests)
12. Matt Giteau (96 Tests)
13. Tevita Kuridrani (24 Tests)
14. Adam Ashley-Cooper - vc (108 Tests)
15. Israel Folau (33 Tests)
Reserves
16. Tatafu Polota-Nau (54 Tests)
17. James Slipper (68 Tests)
18. Greg Holmes (18 Tests)
19. Will Skelton (12 Tests)
20. Dean Mumm (37 Tests)
21. Nick Phipps (32 Tests)
22. Matt Toomua (25 Tests)
23. Kurtley Beale (53 Tests)

[GIGS20]

Hard to complain about that team, Rob Horne might be lucky to get a spot, and I'm never really happy with a handbag like Beale getting a game, but otherwise, there is nothing to even talk about. I'm even quite happy to see Skelton there, because there are three locks who will actually work for the footy and another two backrowers who are hard as f@*k at the footy.

As long as Skelton comes on for Hooper, or we're 50 in front when they're both on the field things will be OK.

Let's hope that the Wobblies don't fall into the 'trap of the minnow' like most of the other top sides have!

[Ecky]

Why does that photo accompany the article?

[Darren]

Why does that photo accompany the article?

Obviously didn't get his copy and paste training from TLH.

[shasta]

there are three locks who will actually work for the footy and another two backrowers who are hard as f@*k at the footy.

De Facto praise for Simmons?? Surely not.

[Alison]

Why does that photo accompany the article?

Don't know, but I'm glad it did! 😍😍

[Herbasimplex]

Fiji looked pretty good against england, the thing I noticed most about them is that they were very composed for large stretches of the game. Shame nandolo was such a bad kick at goal, it would have been interesting to see how england reacted if fiji were 1 or 2 points behind with about 20 to go.

Not particularly concerned about this match relatively speaking, just want the boys to win, have a good workout and build into the cup, which all the other sides have done, with the exception of Ireland.

[GIGS20]

De Facto praise for Simmons?? Surely not.

Maybe it's a relative thing....

He's actually proving to be worth the spot this year...maybe that's through a lack of other options, or maybe he has stepped his game up, regardless I'm not really one to hold grudges once they are undeserved.





Apart from Digby, Genia and O'Connor

[andrewg]

Starting Forward packs are even at 903kg.

A 27kg advantage with the replacement front rows.

Another 20kg when Skelton comes on.

Wallabies starting XV av 48 Tests v Fiji av 22 Tests.

[Kiap]

Starting Forward packs are even at 903kg.

This game will be a useful early gauge of the Aus scrum prior to meeting the Poms. Fiji's THP Manasa Saulo is a handy operator.

[oxleymoron]

Well the last 5 minutes of that first half was dumb rugby - why take a penalty kick from 40 when you have already scored two tries from rolling mauls and Fiji have a man in the bin and then to put the grubber kick in when they would have been better to keep ball in hand.

[vulcan]

agree oxleymoron had me dumbfounded still need a deadeye kicker

[jargan83]

I expect the two games in 5 days to take its toll on Fiji and Australia should run away with this.

[vulcan]

was watching on fox but then realised it was on gem so i wouldnt have to listen to that biased fox crap go wallabies get that bonus pt

[vulcan]

all you can say is we won i dont think we have sent any worrying messages to anyone