At a press conference yesterday (Thursday), Australia’s head coach pre-empted Wales‘s team announcement by predicting that Gatland would match Australia’s twin openside policy by employing Justin Tipuric in harness with Sam Warburton.
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It would be one of the Kiwi’s most impressive feats if his attacking Wales line-up beat the Wallabies to finish top of Pool A.
Edwards hinted that Wales would feel more comfortable with a likely quarter-final against Scotland which, if they won, could lead to another Six Nations opponent in France or Ireland.
“Maybe we can let the shackles off now we’re through but he’s emphasised as well we’re here to win this group”.
‘George gives us that footwork and physical presence in midfield.
Warburton admitted as much but said: “It doesn’t bother me what the bookies think”.
“If you lose them for 10 minutes that’s pretty tough”.
His 28 points, including two superb tries, eclipsed Matt Burke’s 1998 mark of 21 points scored by an Australian against England.
Reflecting on Lydiate’s absence, Gatland added: “He got a knock on the eye last weekend”.
“I rang Stuart during the week and left a message, and he texted me back and said he appreciated the support”. I just hope he’s OK, and his family. Rugby is based on the platform of the forwards, more often or not.
“We haven’t spoken about it at all. It is going to be a fierce contest at the breakdown”.
Cheika declared himself disappointed with Hooper’s citing, for his no arms clear-out on Mike Brown but, in McMahon, they have a red-hot replacement.
Arguably the most gifted player in world rugby, Folau will line up against global rookie Gareth Anscombe, who makes his first Wales start alongside Alex Cuthbert and Liam Williams in the back three. He does start this time.
Anscombe’s opposite number at Twickenham will be the gifted Wallabies full-back Israel Folau, although it is not a new experience for the Cardiff Blues player, having featured against him in Super Rugby, where Anscombe played for the (Auckland) Blues and Chiefs. ‘I watched Australia play the other day on a couple of tapes, and I’ve got my hands full thinking about that at the moment, to be honest. “It’s not fair on the team as well if you go out there and play half-hearted”.
‘Aussie sides are very smart tactically and don’t miss a beat.
“I think it’s going to go right down to the wire so I want to make sure our finishers are prepared”.
Biggar said: “Foley’s performance against England speaks for itself”.
Paul James returns from injury, taking over from Gethin Jenkins in the front row alongside hooker Scott Baldwin. ‘In the past it’s been perceived as an Australian weakness but it will be a big challenge for us.
“When England were beaten we brought a Welsh flag to work and put it up on the scaffolding as a bit of a laugh”.
However, Wales must find a way to end their Wallaby hoodoo after ten defeats in a row against the green and gold.
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“There’s a lot to play for … the losses against Australia are just the way the games have panned out”, Williams said.
