After a mixed bag of group stage performances, it’s do-or-die time for the Wallabies at the 2019 Rugby World Cup.
A date with the old enemy – Eddie Jones’ England – looms on Saturday at Oita Stadium, with Australia entering the encounter as rank outsiders.
With a loss to Wales and a very uninspiring win over Georgia somewhat offsetting more encouraging victories over Fiji and Uruguay, many analysts are having a tough time making the case for Michael Cheika’s side.
Are they any chance of springing the upset? What do they need to do to get up?
We were joined by Roar rugby expert Brett McKay on the Game of Codes podcast to preview Australia’s (arguably) biggest game of the calendar year and make a call on whether they can progress to the semi-finals.
Listen to the debate:
The Wallabies have a had a tough time against the English since their 33-13 triumph at the last World Cup. They suffered a disappointing 3-0 series loss at home in the 2016 June Tests, while also losing in each of the last three Twickenham Tests.
Visit our Game of Codes hub to catch the full episode and be sure to subscribe and review on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts or wherever else you’re listening.
Old Bugger
Guest
Look, I don't profess to know the answers but, IOM if the WBs can find the urgency, the physicality and an uncompromising effort to overcome, then I believe a win for the WBs, is on the cards.....I won't say upset because really, we have two top 10 nations playing, a sudden death match. I really do look forward to the WBs pack, lifting themselves to an extent that matches their efforts, in the Perth test. Do this and the backline, will have ample opportunity, to do some magic.
Cros
Guest
Go Wallabies! Believe...
mtiger
Roar Rookie
That is not a fair comment vs England. Unless it is admitted that the current playing stocks in Australia are inferior... than the opponent's
Timbo (L)
Roar Guru
I think it will come down to the Ref. Australia will be trying to run an upbeat game and the English have a bunch of big guys that fatigue easily that want to slow it down and grind it out, they are masters of polluting the ruck and they seem to have a large number of injuries that miraculously disappear after the forwards have had a rest. An astute ref can tilt the game Australia’s way if they call these ruck infringements and call BS on the faux injuries. Not saying it will win the game for the Wallabies but it would be at a pace that I would enjoy watching. Wallabies need to find their ball skills and make the hard tackles, like Japan did if they want a chance of winning.
OJ
Roar Rookie
Petaia at centre, if you can believe it.
OJ
Roar Rookie
Ha ha. That made me laugh out loud. I'm not sure whether it was out of amusement or despair at the obvious absurdity of the fantasy Australian rugby has is being conned in to by non Australians.
keith
Guest
Have analyzed both teams and have come to the conclusion that the Wallabies need to have scored more points than England at the final whistle to win the game.
Zado
Guest
No Beale at 15. No Dempsey. No Kepu. CLL must be 10.ahh stuff it.To be frank they can`t win as Michael Cheika picked an inferior 31 man squad when he left Australia.
Doctordbx
Roar Rookie
Fox Sports as usual has leaked the team: LIKELY WALLABIES TEAM: Kurtley Beale, Reece Hodge, Jordan Petaia, Samu Kerevi, Marika Koroibete, Christian Lealiifano, Will Genia, Isi Naisarani, Michael Hooper (c), David Pocock, Rory Arnold, Izack Rodda, Allan Alaalatoa, Tolu Latu, Scott Sio Reserves: Jordan Uelese, James Slipper, Taniela Tupou, Adam Coleman, Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, Nic White, Matt To’omua, James O’Connor Going to be a long day at the office.
bigbaz
Roar Guru
When we play pooper no-one plays 6 , thankfully the other coaches don't analyze Australia out of respect for Cheika and they haven't noticed.
Doctordbx
Roar Rookie
If we're going to beat England it will be through the forwards. We absolutely need to put our best forward pack on the park and get the most out of them. If we're going to lose to England it will be through our backline's poor defense, both in the air and on the ground, and we need to put our most positionally aware and defensive backline on the park. So... Cheika will be picking a light and mobile forward pack and Beale at fullback. Centres and wings are anyone's guess, but I'd hazard the backline will be CLL, White, DHP, Kerevi, JOC, Koro and Beale. Tries all day.
Doctordbx
Roar Rookie
So who will play 6?
Senim
Roar Rookie
Seriously hoping they don't play catch up rugby, need to do a bullet start on the first 20min.
Ken Catchpole's Other Leg
Roar Guru
Well spotted Max. School boy error. Nippon-Australian Treaty.
MaxP
Guest
Why would the Chinese be interested in whether the roof is closed?
Linny
Guest
Agree...Wallabies absolutely CAN win, but it will take something they have shown very little of and thats their best 80mins of rugby. The set piece improvement won't mitigate our poor general play. Wallabies just too undisciplined and have poor basic skill level (pass, catch & tackle) add to that a complete inability to adjust a 'game plan' that's not working...I desperately want to be wrong, England by 15+.
Alpinebaz
Roar Rookie
Agree Neil, the first 20 of the second half and the impact of the bench players will be all important, here’s to a great game mate
bigbaz
Roar Guru
Nah, he'll play with a 6 on his back
Ken Catchpole's Other Leg
Roar Guru
I read that it will be closed. It was part of a Sino- Australian trade treaty.
Neil Back
Roar Rookie
I wouldn’t worry too much about an England fast start. They have significant form in SA and in this years 6N of imploding from a great first 40. The winner of the first 20 of the second 40 will most likely be key to any result.