After a chastening defeat to Ireland Australia are still
major contenders for the World Cup but their press didn’t see the lighter side
of things.
Embarrassing", "second-rate",
"dumb" and a "disaster" were just some of the words used to
describe their defeat – take a look at what the Sydney Morning Herald had to
say below (courtesy of the Guardian)
"It doesn't get any more embarrassing than this for
Australian rugby. The Wallabies were yet again shown to be second-rate by one
of the also-rans of world rugby. Their World Cup campaign is in tatters
following a deplorable performance against Ireland at Eden Park, when they
chose the wrong moment to completely fall apart. It wasn't some dumb footy, it
was completely dumb footy. For being so dumb, they should be forced to wear
World Cup dunces hats for at least the next week. You had to admire Ireland's courage,
endeavour and smart game plan, but it was more that the Wallabies were
appalling.”
The above words are more harsh than fair – Declan Kidney brought
the most of his charges in brilliant fashion while their scrummaging was world
class – Adding to the great performances from Sean O'Brien, Stephen Ferris and
Paul O'Connell. The Wallabies were poor by their own high standards though and
that will have been drummed into them well and truly.
The USA should present much less of a challenge but for the
first time in this World Cup – New Zealand apart – There’s some real pressure
on the Wallabies to perform here and put on a show against a second tier side.
The USA aren’t really anybody’s mugs – They play solid rugby
and can present you with their fair share of problems – But coach Eddie
O'Sullivan has made 14 changes, with Saracens second-row Hayden Smith is the
only player to be retained following the tight victory over Russia. That could
leave a seriously weak team for what is going to be a very motivated, if not
full strength Wallabies side.
Quade Cooper and Will Genia (above) get a chance to redeem themselves
and both need good performances to underline their high class credentials while
Tighthead prop Ben Alexander has a massive point to prove after getting smashed
by Ciran Healy again and again last week.
A handicap of 60 points is achievable for the Wallabies but you
can get 4/5 about them putting 66 or more points on the board, which is well
worth a shot against a makeshift side. With that in mind, the second half
handicap of 31 points might also be a runner – It’s generally accepted that
this is the fittest XV in world Rugby.
Advice
2 pts Australia to score 66 or more points (4/5 general)
1 pt Australia -31 on 2nd half handicap (10/11
Hills)
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