The Wallabies have had a relatively inconsistent four years since their 3rd place finish in New Zealand in the 2011 Rugby World Cup.
Although they will not go into the 2015 World Cup as clear favorites, they are definite contenders for the title and will be looking to become the first team to claim a 3rd World Cup title.
Leadership
Captain- Stephen Moore
Vice Captain- Adam Ashley-Cooper
Senior Players- Adam Ashley Cooper, Matt Giteau, Will Genia, David Pocock, Micheal Hooper, Kurtley Beale, Quade Cooper
Coaching Staff- Micheal Cheilka, Stephen Larkham, Nathan Grey
The Aussies will be travelling to London with a squad containing four players who at some point in their careers have captained the Wallabies. Aditionally, the inclusion of players like Matt Giteau and Drew Mitchell who play their club rugby in France has done wonders to bolster the ranks of the men in Gold. When the mixture of youth is included the Wallabies shape up to be potent threat to all contenders.
Although Australia has gone through a number of coaches since the 2011 World cup they now seem to have found their man in Micheal Cheilka, under whose leadership the Wallabies beat the All Blacks for the first time in 4 years to take the Rugby Championship.
Official Squad
Front Row- Stephen Moore (96 Tests), Tatafu Polota-Nau (53 Tests), Greg Holmes (17 Tests), Sekope Kepu (56 Tests), Scott Sio (9 Tests), James Slipper (66 Tests), Toby Smith (uncapped)
Locks- Kane Douglas (15 Tests), Dean Mumm (36 Tests), Rob Simmons (52 Tests), Will Skelton (11 Tests)
Third Row- Scott Fardy (24 Tests), Michael Hooper – VC (45 Tests), Ben McCalman (40 Tests), Sean McMahon (3 Tests), Wycliff Palu (55 Tests) and David Pocock (50 Tests)
Half Backs- Will Genia (59), Nick Phipps (31 tests)
Five Eights- Quade Cooper(55 Tests), Bernard Foley (17 tests) , Kurtley Beale (52 Tests)
Centers- Matt Giteau (95 Tests), Matt Toomua (25 Tests), Adam Ashley-Cooper – VC (108 Tests), Tevita Kuridrani (24 Tests).
Outside Backs- Israel Folau (33 Tests), Rob Horne (26 Tests), Drew Mitchell (65 Tests), Henry Speight (3 Tests), Joe Tomane (15 Tests)
The Wallaby selectors have left out a few senior players in favor of youngsters including former skipper James Horwill, prop forwards Ben Alexander, Ben Robinson and Brumbies halfback Nic White. All in all the squad retains plenty of experience with more than 1200 caps between the 31men charged with wearing the Wallace Gold. Cheika has also included 13 World Cup debutants, and one player, in prop Toby Smith who is uncapped.
Key Players
Micheal Hooper- Micheal Hooper has been one of the star players for the Wallbies over the last 3 years. His tenacity around the breakdown along with his ferocity in defense makes Hooper one of the better open side flankers in world Rugby today. Hooper is also a powerful runner with ball in hand and creates additional options in center field for the Wallabies playmakers.
David Pocock- Another open-side Flanker, Pocock plays a similar role to Hooper although Pocock is likely to slot into the number 8 berth if and when he plays alongside Hooper. Pocock is known for his ability to force turnovers and win penalties around the breakdown making him a great asset to the Australians. Although he has struggled with fitness over the last few seasons Pocock seems to be back at his peak having played a full season of Super Rugby along with the Rugby Championship.
Quade Cooper- Quade Cooper is possibly one of the most extravagant players in world rugby. His unparalleled skills and boldness can be the difference between winning and losing for the Wallabies. Although he has magical skills Cooper has struggled with consistency on the field and will have to play a more controlled game. Cooper will have to be on queue if Australia is to come away with the Gold.
Tevita Kirundrani- The big man in center field, Kirundrani has made the number 13 jersey his own since the Lions tour of 2013. His powerful bursts through the middle and his immaculate running lines makes him a threat to any and all opponents. Kirundrani is also solid in defense and can be counted on to put immense pressure on his opposite number.
Adam Ashley-Cooper- Adam Ashley-Cooper is the most experienced player in the Wallaby gold. His versatility and ability to slot into any position in the back line makes him one of the automatic picks to the squad. Ashley-Cooper’s work rate and doggedness sets him up to lead the backline no matter which position he plays in on the day. He is also one the Wallabies most prolific defenders.
Israel Folau- The mercurial full back is perhaps Australia’s most tenacious player. His technique under the high ball and ability to counter attack from anywhere on the field makes him one of the most lethal full backs in world rugby. Folau is also deadly with ball in hand and can carve through defensive lines like a knife through butter. Throw in his offloading skills and Folau becomes a vital cog in the Wallabies lineup.
Team Strengths
Versatility- One of the biggest strengths for the Wallabies is their players’ versatility. Majority of their players can slot into different positions making it easy for selectors to pick a solid squad. This versatility is also prominent on the field, in open play when the likes of Hooper and Adam Ashley Cooper slot into different positions creating numerous overlaps.
Breakdowns- With both Hooper and Pocock on the field the Wallabies become perhaps the best team in and around the breakdown. The Australian backrow can force turnovers anywhere on the park which makes it extremely difficult for opponents to build up multiple phases and put them up under pressure defensively.
High Ball- the Wallaby back three is one of the best units under the high ball. Their ability to get up over their opponents gives them a clear advantage on the field and this in turn forces oppositions to re-evaluate their kicking plans.
Counter Attack- the Australians counter attacking is one of their biggest strengths. They have the ability to turn defense into attack in the blink of an eye which makes them a threat no matter what part of the field they may be at. The extremely high skill level of their inside backs and the lightning quickness of outer halves cause numerous problems for teams they face.
Fixtures
Sep 23rd- Australia vs Fiji (Cardiff)
Sep 27th- Australia vs Uruguay (Birmingham)
Oct 3rd- England vs Australia (Twickenham)
Oct 10th- Australia vs Wales (Twickenham)
Australia has fallen into what is perhaps the toughest group in World Cup history, a group that has earned the name group of depth. Wales and England will both have home crowd support whilst the Fijians are as always dark horses in the tournament. The Wallabies have one of the best records in World cups having won twice and made it to the finals a further one time. They have also made it to the semi-finals 3 times. In 2015 the Wallabies will look to make history by becoming the first team to win the World cup 3 times.
