Rugby World Cup: The Biggest Psychological Test Of All
Gareth Knight looks at Friday’s third place play-off.
19 Oct 2011, 15:15
The Game Nobody Wants To Play
Friday 21st October 2011
Coverage begins 8.15am, ITV1/HD
Kick-off: 8.30am, Eden Park, Auckland
Wales (IRB World Ranking: 6) vs Australia (2)
Wales go into the match as the world’s favourite semi finalists; everyone ‘knows’ they should have been in the final and everyone has been impressed with their style of play. How they reacted to the defeat to France will dictate how they approach this game – do they accept that the World Cup is all but over and play like a friendly or do they come away determined to show us what might have been. However they play, few would begrudge the Wales team if they fail to show the spark that got them this far, but the crowd will be solidly behind the Welsh for this one and they will be urged on by millions around the world. The Wallabies have less to prove – they know they were fortunate to get to the semi final and they know they lost the New Zealand match fair and square. They have also already won something this year so they can hold their heads up high.
For Wales to win, the Welsh coaching staff need to inject a sense of injustice into the team. Wales need to come out looking determined and angry and they need to back that up on the field. They should play this game as if it’s the final. Wales play Australia again in December in Cardiff – how sweet it would be for Wales to beat the Tri Nations champions twice in six weeks?
There is one serious point to consider regarding the playing and coaching situation for the Lions Tour in 2013. The head coach will be appointed at some point in the next 9 months and it’s vital that every player thinks ahead – how can they prove to the next Lions coach that they’re not just good, but that they can have an impact against Australia even when the odds are stacked against them? It’s a pity that the one player who will walk into a Lions jersey, Sam Warburton, will be unable to play due to suspension.
Warren Gatland certainly means business with his team selection, fielding a full strength side, albeit one without Adam Jones, Sam Warburton and Rhys Priestland who remain injured.
Wales team to play Australia:
Front row 1/2/3: Jenkins / Bennett / James
Second row 4/5: Charteris / AW Jones
Back row 6/8/7: Lydiate / R Jones / Faletau
Half-backs 9/10: Phillips / Hook
Centres 12/13: Roberts / J Davies
Wings 11/14: Shane Williams / North
Fullback 15: Halfpenny
Subs: Burns, Bevington, AW Jones, Powell, L Williams, S Jones, Scott Williams
Robbie Deans has made a wholesale change to the front row and significant changes across the pack, largely forced by injuries to Pat McCabe, Dan Vickerman, Sekope Kepu and Stephen Moore. Kurtley Beale’s return to fullback gives Australia a big advantage they sorely missed in the semi final.
Australia team to play Wales:
Front row 1/2/3: Slipper / Polota-Na / Ma’afu
Second row 4/5: Horwill / Sharpe
Back row 6/8/7: Higginbotham / McCalman / Pocock
Half-backs 9/10: Genia / Cooper
Centres 12/13: Barnes / Ashley-Cooper
Wings 11/14: Ioane / O’Connor
Fullback 15: Beale
Subs: Fainga’a, Alexander, Simmons, Samo, Burgess, Fainga’a, Horne
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