September 22, 2015
Rugby World Cup Lineups Sep 23, 2015
Doug Coil
Australia v Fiji, Pool A, Millennium Stadium, Cardiff, Wales, Kickoff 18:45 – 11:45am ET
Referee: Glen Jackson; Ass’t Ref: Nigel Owen, Leighton Hodges; TV Match Official: Graham Hughes
Australia sees action for the first time and will field an experienced side with 720 test caps, second only to the 798 against Japan in 2007. Seven players will make their Rugby World Cup debut, but they are all experienced (Sio, Douglas, Fardy, Hooper, Foley, Kuridrani and Folau).
Head Coach Michael Cheika had praise for the Fiji side indicating that they have a tremendous respect for Fiji and the quality of play and note the improvement in their set pieces. That being said, Australia presents a formidable challenge for Fiji.
Fiji made 3 changes from the team that started Friday against England. Koto (Hooker), Ratuniyawara (Lock) and Matadigo (8) are not the match day roster. Waqanburotu is serving a suspension for this match.
Australia Ranked 2nd: HC Michael Cheika Starters: 1 Scott Sio, 2 Stephen Moore (Captain), 3 Sekope Kepu, 4 Kane Douglas, 5 Rob Simmons, 6 Scott Fardy, 7 Michael Hooper, 8 David Pocock, 9 Will Genia, 10 Bernard Foley, 11 Rob Horne, 12 Matt Giteau, 13 Tevita Kuridrani, 14 Adam Ashley-Cooper, 15 Israel Folau Replacements: 16 Tatafu Polota-Nau (H) 17 James Slipper (P) 18 Greg Holmes (P) 19 Will Skelton (L) 20 Dean Mumm (L) 21 Nick Phipps (SH) 22 Matt Toomua (C) 23 Kurtley Beale (C)
Fiji Ranked 9th: HC John McKee Starters: 1 Campese Ma’afu 2 Tuapati Talemaitoga 3 Manasa Saulo 4 Tevita Cavubati 5 Leone Nakarawa 6 Peceli Yato 7 Akapusi Qera (c) 8 Netani Talei 9 Nikola Matawalu 10 Ben Volavola 11 Nemani Nadolo 12 Gabiriele Lovobalavu 13 Vereniki Goneva 14 Waisea Nayacalevu 15 Metuisela Talebula Replacements: 16 Viliame Veikoso (H) 17 Peni Ravai (P) 18 Isei Colati (P) 19 Nemia Soqeta (L) 20 Malakai Ravulo (F) 21 Nemia Kenatale (SH) 22 Joshua Matavesi (FH) 23 Aseli Tikoirotuma (Wing)
