Where things stand
It's the penultimate battle of Group A; The Group of Death! Australia and Wales coming into this in a winner takes all where the winner will avoid a Quarter Final match up against South Africa in favour of a matchup against Scotland or Japan. After England became the first hosts in the history of the tournament to go out at the group stage both sides have taken significant scalps albeit Australia the more impressive team in their win. Wales also haven't beaten Australia since 2008 so a significant psychological barrier will also need to be overcome.
The Teams
Folau is the major injury concern on the Wallabies side, although named in the team he didn't train today (Friday) but they remain confident he'll be fit to start. Elsewhere, after Hooper was suspended for rucking without binding last week, he's replaced by Sean McMahon who is another groundhog like Hooper who alleviates some concerns that the Green and Gold would miss Hooper Dearly.
With Wales still depleted due to injuries sustained before and during the tournament, they make six changes to the team who won a hard fought game versus Fiji over a week ago including a first start for Gareth Anscrombe at full back. What a first test match to make your debut there. Elsewhere, Samson Lee and James come into the front row, Charteris starts in the second row and George North joins Jamie Roberts in the centres.
Predictions
Based on their respective wins against England and the fact Australia have had Wales' number in the past few years, anything less than a win for the Wallabies is unseeable for me at least. A little like the England game, Wales just need to stay in it as long as possible, let Biggar kick his goals and hope that's enough. The battle of the respective backrows will be relishing, with probably the best backrows in the world on the ground; Warburton and Pocock in battle.
Fun Fact: In their last 3 meetings, it has taken a late score (74th minute, 78th minute & 79th minute) to win the game for Australia.
Australia 27 - 17 Wales
