The 2015 Rugby World Cup has started in the UK and Australia will finally kick off their tournament on Thursday morning as they look to recapture the Web Ellis Cup. We will be previewing every Australian match throughout the tournament, continue reading for our prediction and betting tips of Australia’s first match against Fiji.
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Australia vs Fiji (Thursday 1.45am AEST)
The Wallabies kick off their 2015 Rugby World Cup campaign early Thursday morning against Fiji. The last two times the World Cup has been held in Britain the Australians have come away with the Web Ellis trophy and if they are to make it three in a row they will need their success to start straight away as they have been placed in the difficult ‘pool of death’.
Fiji opened their campaign with a loss but the scoreboard favoured England, as the Flying Fijians were in the contest until late in the second half. They will always be dangerous with the ball in hand as they will look to attack from anywhere on the park with arguably their biggest weapon being winger Nemani Nadolo who has starred for the Crusaders in the Super Rugby over the past two seasons. Fly half Ben Volavola will also need to make the most of any opportunities to put points on the board if they are given the opportunity with the kicking tee. It will be vital that they keep the scoreboard ticking over early in the match as if they are able to stay close or in front of the Wallabies then the nerves will only increase for the Green and Gold.
Australian coach Michael Cheika has suggested that the Wallabies will also bring an attacking style of play to the game as he made it clear they would never play conservative rugby. He has named a full strength side with both Michael Hooper and David Pocock making the starting side despite fighting it out for the same position. Pocock will play the number eight role whilst Hooper will remain in his preferred position at outside flanker. The last time this ploy was used the Wallabies were able to upset the All Blacks on home soil as they claimed the Rugby Championship and also defeated the New Zealanders for the first time in four years. These two players will be constant threats at the breakdown and if Australia will be able to get penalties with Fiji not releasing the ball or turn overs that will lead to counter attacks.
If the Wallabies are able to strike early in the match it could become one way traffic with the Green and Gold putting on a big score but with Fiji fighting for their tournament life they will come out firing and with a lot of energy in the opening 10 to 20 minutes. This period will be key for both sides and it will shape whether it will be a close match or a thrashing.
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If the Wallabies get an early line out in an attacking position they will likely use their big forward pack and get a rolling maul going. David Pocock will control the ball from the back of the maul and if thye push their way close to the line he will be the player to benefit and score a try.
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Take note: Any of the tips in this article are simply the author’s opinion, so bet at your own risk and always gamble responsibly. Also be sure to check out the Before You Bet Twitter Page for all our thoughts in the lead up to bets! Happy punting!
