Australia kick‑off their 2015 Rugby World Cup campaign with a high‑pressure clash against the Vodafone Flying Fijians at the Millennium Stadium tomorrow.
With both England and Wales having started their respective tournaments with bonus point wins, the Wallabies who are the winners of both previous World Cups played in Britain will feel they must do the same in the battle for top spot in the ‘Pool of Death.'
Never has that name for this group been more appropriate. The shakeup in the world rankings following the past weekend's results means Pool A now contains the countries ranked 2nd, 3rd and 4th in the world.
That will not bother the Fijians though as the Islanders will take encouragement from the fact that they pushed the tournaments hosts all the way in a griping opening clash.
Coach John McKee says that they respect the Wallabies and are looking forward to give their best.
While the influence of the coaches like former Bulls mentor Frans Ludeke has perhaps blunted Fiji's unpredictability, they are much more solid in key areas like the kickoffs and lineouts meaning they are no longer soft targets for the big teams.
For the Wallabies, the double breakdown threat of David Pocock and Michael Hooper is sure to produce plenty of quick ball for a lethal backline that can match the Fijians for exciting running on any day.
The Flying Fijians will take on the Wallabies at 3.45am tomorrow.
Source : planetrugby.com
