Ewen McKenzie will recall the previously suspended duo of Nick Cummins and Adam Ashley-Cooper for this weekend’s visit to the Millennium Stadium, where Australia seek to end their November Test series with a win over Wales.
Harry Engels/Getty Images
BBC Sport confirmed the pair’s return and went on to note that this weekend will be Quade Cooper’s 50th cap for the Wallabies—a sentimental achievement given that it wasn’t long ago Cooper was exiled from international involvement, per the Courier Mail‘s Jamie Pandaram.
Both sides have enjoyed a fruitful autumn period with a lot of positives to take away from the last four weeks, making this weekend’s clash in Cardiff all the more important in terms of ending on a high note.
Read on for all the essential viewing information and a preview of Saturday’s matchup.
Â
Date:Â Saturday, Nov. 30
Time:Â 5 p.m. local time (GMT)/12 p.m. ET
Venue:Â Millennium Stadium
Viewing Info:Â BBC Two (UK)
Stream:Â BBC Sport website
Â
Back Lines RestoredÂ
As BBC Sport recently reported, Alex Cuthbert makes his return to Warren Gatland’s starting XV this weekend after it had been feared the winger would miss all of Wales’ autumn series.Â
Stu Forster/Getty Images
Scott Williams also comes back into the lineup to partner namesake Owen in the centre, with Dan Biggar replacing James Hook at fly-half.
Given the raft of recent injuries, it’s the best back line that the Welsh could hope for against Australia, who are themselves restrengthened of late.
As aforementioned, Cummins and Ashley-Cooper will add some talent to the wing and in the centre respectively, while Christian Lealiifano moves into the No. 12 jersey with Mike Harris dropping out.
All in all, it looks like an intriguing battle of the backs, with other superstar names such as Leigh Halfpenny, Israel Folau, George North and Cooper set to write the story, too.
It’s here that a great deal of the entertainment will unfold, and fans couldn’t hope for a much more explosive way to cap off a thrilling November.
Â
Wales Key Player to Watch:Â Sam Warburton
Another of those who didn’t feature in the 17-7 win over Tonga last Friday was Welsh captain Sam Warburton, who Gatland will hope is fully refreshed for what promises to be a gruelling contest against McKenzie’s men.
Opposite Warburton will be Michael Hooper, one of the emerging heroes in McKenzie’s squad and a player who, despite being just 22 years of age, is already a firm part of the “new-look” Australia.
Stu Forster/Getty Images
The impending encounter between these two at the breakdown is an angle that can’t be ignored, both flankers are seen as essential figures in their respective teams’ ability to turn over ball and hit the opponent with quick counters.
Warburton’s reign as captain of his national team has been a largely successful one, which led to him being named skipper of the British and Irish Lions—against Australia—during the summer.
This weekend needs to evoke a similarly passionate showing if Warburton and his troops are to win out.
Â
Australia Key Player to Watch: Israel Folau
It’s difficult to look past Israel Folau as Australia’s most likely source of points on any occasion, the fullback being his nation’s top try scorer in 2013 as he continues to inspire from the rear.
Having only been given his first real run of fixtures in the No. 15 jersey this summer, Folau has coped excellently with the change and appears to be improving as he goes, shortening his weaknesses game by game.
With Halfpenny on the other side of the pitch, the Wallaby star by no means has an easy task on his hands, but has shown against the likes of Scotland, Ireland and Italy just how much potential he has to make something out of nothing.
Unlike Halfpenny, Folau does not possess a match-winning boot, but he’s exceptional under the high ball and is one of world rugby’s most elusive runners.
The contrast in styles makes for a head-to-head that’s likely to prove decisive in determining which of the sides triumphs.
One thing for certain is that Folau will be one of those most responsible for invading Welsh lines; it’s a question of whether the hosts have sufficient stamina to withstand that pressure.
Article source: http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/rugby-league/24928518
Wales vs. Australia Rugby 2013: Date, Time, Live Stream, TV Info and Preview
No comments:
Post a Comment