Australia vs Wales RWC Pool A 10th October

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AUSTRALIA v WALES
10 October 2015
KO: 16:45
Twickenham, London

Live on [tbc]

Referee: Craig Joubert (South Africa)
Touch judges: Jérôme Garcès (France) & Stuart Berry (South Africa)
Television match official: Shaun Veldsman (South Africa)

A. Head to Head

38 Played 38
27 Won 10
1 Drawn 1
10 Lost 27
897 Points 590

B. Recent Form

8 November 2014
Millennium Stadium, Cardiff
28 – 33 Australia

30 November 2013
Millennium Stadium, Cardiff
26 – 30 Australia

1 December 2012
Millennium Stadium, Cardiff
12 – 14 Australia

23 June 2012
Sydney Football Stadium, Sydney
20 – 19 Australia

16 June 2012
Etihad Stadium, Melbourne
25 – 23 Australia

9 June 2012
Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane
27 – 19 Australia

3 December 2011
Millennium Stadium, Cardiff
18 – 24 Australia

21 October 2011
Eden Park, Auckland, New Zealand
21 – 18 Australia

TEAMS:

AUSTRALIA

I Folau; A Ashley-Cooper, T Kuridrani, M Giteau, D Mitchell; B Foley, W Genia; S Sio, S Moore, S Kepu; K Douglas, D Mumm; S Fardy, S McMahon, D Pocock.

Replacements: T Polota-Nau, J Slipper, G Holmes, R Simmons, B MCCalman, N Phipps, M Toomua, K Beale.

WALES

G Anscombe; A Cuthbert, G North, J Roberts, L Williams; D Biggar, G Davies; P James, S Baldwin, S Lee; L Charteris, AW Jones; S Warburton, J Tipuric, T Faletau.

Replacements: K Owens, A Jarvis, T Francis, J Ball, R Moriarty, Ll Williams, R Priestland, J Hook.

*************
The pool decider.

Damn those boys in the Canary yellow shirts look good, really good. Going through top of the pool Wales would be likely to meet Japan or Scotland...! Go through second and we meet a refuvinated Bok side.

I can't see him really tinkering too much, there maybe a few changes but nothing outrageous or risky.

Ruby bluffing again.

I have a lot of time for Hook, he's a nice guy, down to earth and always gives his best when called on. He's suffered from not being Barry John, when at the start of his career he looked like he might be an absolute superstar. But plenty of players over the years have been like that, nobody thinks Carlos Spencer was rubbish, just because he wasn't Andrew Mehrtens.

However, he is a 10 or a 15, because that is where he has been playing for the last 5 years, despite what anybody thinks he may be suited too. Morgan is a bona fide 13, and if he has a stormer, we will all be hailing the next messiah!

maestegmafia wrote:

GavCanDance wrote:

wales606 wrote:I would be far more concerned with Hook at 13 than Morgan

+1

Sorry, but the poorest players for me this tournament have been Hook and Cuthbert.  I cringe whenever either player takes to the field.  

Hook hasn't played at thirteen for about six years. He has been a ten at USAP and Gloucester. Defensively he would seriously struggle. Morgan knows the defence patterns, has spent more time with the squad and is a natural outside centre.

Granted experience is valuable, but Morgan is surrounded by players with around fifty caps. I think it is a bigger risk playing Hook out of position than selecting Morgan.

Hook played mostly at 15 for USAP as both Lopez and Tommy Allen were picked at 10 ahead of him. He is an useful squad player but way off the pace for getting chosen in a Wales 23 unless this injury jinx gets a lot worse.

I expect Sanjay to start at 15, Lee at 3 and maybe Charteris as the only changes. Paul James and Ken Owens would not weaken the side and I would start Tipuric at 13 before Hook, who I anticipate will lose his bench spot to Anscombe.

Ŵ

Seagultaf wrote:

maestegmafia wrote:

GavCanDance wrote:

wales606 wrote:I would be far more concerned with Hook at 13 than Morgan

+1

Sorry, but the poorest players for me this tournament have been Hook and Cuthbert.  I cringe whenever either player takes to the field.  

Hook hasn't played at thirteen for about six years. He has been a ten at USAP and Gloucester. Defensively he would seriously struggle. Morgan knows the defence patterns, has spent more time with the squad and is a natural outside centre.

Granted experience is valuable, but Morgan is surrounded by players with around fifty caps. I think it is a bigger risk playing Hook out of position than selecting Morgan.

Hook played mostly at 15 for USAP as both Lopez and Tommy Allen were picked at 10 ahead of him. He is an useful squad player but way off the pace for getting chosen in a Wales 23 unless this injury jinx gets a lot worse.

I expect Sanjay to start at 15, Lee at 3 and maybe Charteris as the only changes. Paul James and Ken Owens would not weaken the side and I would start Tipuric at 13 before Hook, who I anticipate will lose his bench spot to Anscombe.

I agree that those are the likely changes..!

There is lots of nice possibilities with Anscombe joining in from the bench

In the last 10 when we were up by 3 against England I saw Ford hoist at least two balls from round about their 22 nicely into our half and guess who was there to pouch em? None other than our emergency FB -Rhys Priestland. Very impressed. Cometh t the hour cometh the man

In the last 10 when we were up by 3 against England I saw Ford hoist at least two balls from round about their 22 nicely into our half and guess who was there to pouch em? None other than our emergency FB -Rhys Priestland. Very impressed. Cometh t the hour cometh the man

Dontheman2 wrote:In the last 10 when we were up by 3 against England I saw Ford hoist at least two balls from round about their 22 nicely into our half and guess who was there to pouch em? None other than our emergency FB -Rhys Priestland. Very impressed. Cometh t the hour cometh the man

Preistland was playing 10, not 15.

Anyone know why Pickering is with Prince Harry at the Georgia match?

I'm ringing Harry right now to try and find out for you, glam.....

SecretFly wrote:I'm ringing Harry right now to try and find out for you, glam.....

Cheers mate

I wondered the same thing when I saw him with Prince William the other day. Apparently he's on the RWC board or something.

The main thing is that he's not back for good!

Harry (understandably) got a bit of a kicking on the Tweety from Aussie republicans for cheering for England but not also Australia at the same match. 

I suppose you're either a member of the royal family for the whole of the Commonwealth or, er, you don't realise that you aren't.

glamorganalun wrote:Anyone know why Pickering is with Prince Harry at the Georgia match?

Should be sat on the sofa next to Robshaw watching the telly, shewerly.

I suspect Roger sorted out a nothing job for him, no doubt he will worm his way back into the WRU, I hope not.

He was at tonight's game with Harry and Bill Beaumont.

I wonder if he is with Rugby England 2015? The company organising this RWC.

wales606 wrote:

Dontheman2 wrote:In the last 10 when we were up by 3 against England I saw Ford hoist at least two balls from round about their 22 nicely into our half and guess who was there to pouch em? None other than our emergency FB -Rhys Priestland. Very impressed. Cometh t the hour cometh the man

Preistland was playing 10, not 15.

That was a good cameo from RP. I think he and Biggar took one each from Ford - stupid idea as the only person chasing was Haskell.

RP took two excellent high ball catches that Liam Williams would have been proud of, even more impressive considering the high octane pressurised situation, the first one was good but the second was taken under much pressure from England, added to that two nailed on tackles and three decent runs. All in all a fantastic 15 mins in the flyhalf channel.

But how anyone thought he was playing FB!.

Tough ask for Samson Lee to come in and steady the ship after a handful of sub appearances. Might be a bridge too far here. I don't think the options at LH are great either. On the other hand the lineout could be a big weapon, so for me Charteris has to start, prefer him to Davie anyway.

Interesting reading that the scrum issues were considered to be about timing...!

Last week first scrum Fiji were penalised for an early shove.

Wales are heavier than every pack they have faced.

I hope they can turn this weakness back into a strength. The wallabies have, no reason Wales can't too.

Pickering is a member of the IRB Council

RubyGuby wrote:Pickering is a member of the IRB Council

Well found..!

I also had the unfortunate experience of going through all the age group schools with Dai Tinkywinky - Very good player but establishment material through and through.

mikey_dragon wrote:Ruby bluffing again.

Now now Mikey - the boys on here know I'm one of the selectors - How do you think Cuthbert got his place back

Australia delay team announcement
Australia delay naming their team to face Wales in the World Cup until Thursday afternoon amid injury worries.

1h agoFrom the section Welsh Rugby

6 changes by Wales - expected or shocked?

WALES TEAM TO PLAY AUSTRALIA:
Gareth Anscombe (Cardiff Blues), Alex Cuthbert (Cardiff Blues), George North (Northampton Saints), Jamie Roberts (Harlequins), Liam Williams (Scarlets), Dan Biggar (Ospreys), Gareth Davies (Scarlets), Paul James (Ospreys), Scott Baldwin (Ospreys), Samson Lee (Scarlets), Luke Charteris (Racing 92), Alun Wyn Jones (Ospreys), Sam Warburton (Capt) (Cardiff Blues), Justin Tipuric (Ospreys), Taulupe Faletau (Newport Gwent Dragons).
Replacements: Ken Owens (Scarlets), Aaron Jarvis (Ospreys), Tomas Francis (Exeter Chiefs), Jake Ball (Scarlets), Ross Moriarty (Gloucester Rugby), Lloyd Williams (Cardiff Blues), Rhys Priestland (Bath Rugby), James Hook (Gloucester Rugby).

George North in the center !!!!!!

GAME OVER FOR WALES.

Is Dan Lydiate injured ?

LordDowlais wrote:George North in the center !!!!!!

GAME OVER FOR WALES.

That's a bit extreme, isn't it? He has played there before.

Luckless Pedestrian wrote:

LordDowlais wrote:George North in the center !!!!!!

GAME OVER FOR WALES.

That's a bit extreme, isn't it? He has played there before.

Yeah, against Australia, and he was like a friggin turn style. He was at fault for at least two of Australia's tries that day, and do not get me started with his tackling, the kid is a big baby. I just hope he changes his tune on Saturday.

LordDowlais wrote:George North in the center !!!!!!

GAME OVER FOR WALES.

Maybe not game over but I get your point. He could be a good attacking weapon at centre but he misses most of his tackles so against one of the best (the best!) back lines in world rugby I think he will get targeted.

At least we may actually see more of him as he has been, as usual, anonymous. I forgot he was playing in the last game until his name was mentioned about 3 minutes from the end.

I like the look of that team, how about we let them worry about us with North and Roberts in the centre running at Foley instead of falling into the same trap as other sides and respecting them too much.

doctornickolas wrote:

LordDowlais wrote:George North in the center !!!!!!

GAME OVER FOR WALES.

Maybe not game over but I get your point. He could be a good attacking weapon at centre but he misses most of his tackles so against one of the best (the best!) back lines in world rugby I think he will get targeted.

At least we may actually see more of him as he has been, as usual, anonymous. I forgot he was playing in the last game until his name was mentioned about 3 minutes from the end.

We could always lend you Burgess

glamorganalun wrote:Anyone know why Pickering is with Prince Harry at the Georgia match?

Maybe hes his real father

Deffo few surprises in that Wales team.

harsh on tyler morgan - feel he's very unlucky to miss out completely. Playing players out of position and some that haven't started any world cup games at all?! Hope you know what you are doing warren as I for one am more worried now!

LordDowlais wrote:

Luckless Pedestrian wrote:

LordDowlais wrote:George North in the center !!!!!!

GAME OVER FOR WALES.

That's a bit extreme, isn't it? He has played there before.

Yeah, against Australia, and he was like a friggin turn style. He was at fault for at least two of Australia's tries that day, and do not get me started with his tackling, the kid is a big baby. I just hope he changes his tune on Saturday.

I don't remember North being at fault for any try? You're thinking of Cuthbert, missed tackles on Folau and Kuridrani.

mikey_dragon wrote:Deffo few surprises in that Wales team.

Well you were told Mikey

Cuthbert again!! FFS

I can understand Gatland leaving Lydiate out, he doesn't offer much versatility, or so it would seem. Leaving out Jenkins entirely is a big call, why would you leave out one of your best players if he's available?

Hook on the bench

RubyGuby wrote:

mikey_dragon wrote:Deffo few surprises in that Wales team.

Well you were told Mikey

Given our injuries there not too many surprises really. Its not the side I would have picked but happy with all bar 2 of the 23 picked, I personally think that is our strongest scrummaging front five and plenty have called for the Tips/Warbs combo to be given a shot so here's their chance.

RubyGuby wrote:

mikey_dragon wrote:Deffo few surprises in that Wales team.

Well you were told Mikey

You sure know how to spring a surprise or two Ruby, I'll give you that. Anyway I'm impressed with that pack - it looks pretty damn good. Leaving out Jenkins though is massive.

George Carlin wrote:Harry (understandably) got a bit of a kicking on the Tweety from Aussie republicans for cheering for England but not also Australia at the same match. 

I suppose you're either a member of the royal family for the whole of the Commonwealth or, er, you don't realise that you aren't.

Strange how nobody complains about Princess Anne's long-standing support for Scotland. I think they might be under orders to share out their support. Anne - Scotland. Harry - England. William - Wales. ???????? - Ireland, Australia, etc

Lydiate is injured

mikey_dragon wrote:

LordDowlais wrote:

Luckless Pedestrian wrote:

LordDowlais wrote:George North in the center !!!!!!

GAME OVER FOR WALES.

That's a bit extreme, isn't it? He has played there before.

Yeah, against Australia, and he was like a friggin turn style. He was at fault for at least two of Australia's tries that day, and do not get me started with his tackling, the kid is a big baby. I just hope he changes his tune on Saturday.

I don't remember North being at fault for any try? You're thinking of Cuthbert, missed tackles on Folau and Kuridrani.

That was the game with the Folau forward pass. 

This team looks good to me. Lots of attacking threat.

North has been training in the centre well before the RWC following JD's injury

RubyGuby wrote:Lydiate is injured

As must Davies and Jenkins be to not make the bench.

Crazy backline really. Very harsh on Tyler Morgan.

Tylers time will come - I'm with Gats on this one. Horses for courses and Bradley took some heavy knocks and his carrying himself at the moment in a lot of pain. Jenkins's calf is tight and we need a secure platform

Not sure why everyone thinks this will be an open style of play from Wales, both centres are poordistributers of the ball.

Gareth Anscombe in, Williams to win and Tipuric does not make Wales go from plan A to a coast to coast type of team!