The Wallabies are making all the right statements about tonight’s Rugby World Cup bronze medal match against Wales at Eden Park, but the big concern is whether they will be mentally switched on.

While Wales are still believing they were unfairly done when their captain Sam Warburton was sent off for a dangerous tackle during the semifinal against France, the Wallabies remain flat after their World Cup campaign fell short after going down to the All Blacks.

It has taken several days for the Wallabies to get over the despair of missing the final, with key players still struggling late in the week.

Making the matter worse is that they now confront an opponent who will be as rabid as the All Blacks in wanting to achieve victory.

Wales look upon the Wallabies as being extremely vulnerable, and they want to use this match to prove to the World that they are the best team from the northern hemisphere, and would have been better Rugby World Cup finalists than France.

Wales have taken close note of how Ireland and the All Blacks were so successful in rattling the Wallabies by being aggressive, and will take a similar approach.

The Wallabies and Wales bronze playoff match kicks 7.30 tonight.


Story by: Dhanjay Deo