For those who believe that despite the unpredictability of sports, a few things remain predictable, Australia’s tussle with Ireland seems to give support to the conviction. However one might wish to look, Australia seem like a formidable opponent to their European rivals. Having said this, a part of the conviction might just have become feeble with the news of David Pocock’s absence. It is from reliable sources that we get to know of his sore back. Most likely, he is due to be replaced by Ben McCalman for Saturday’s rubber.
Ireland, quite knowing their limitations, has been practicing hard to wipe off the openside from the contest thus neutralizing what could have been their own think-tank worry in shape of Sean O’Brien (their fallible openside). Also, even as we speak, we ruminate over whether Ireland will have a respectable ball-position.
In the event of Ireland losing out to Australia and Italy in succeeding matches, they will miss out on qualifying for the death stage. Though Ireland’s defense coach Les Kiss tried to run it down in light vein, he understands the full measure of the threat that might come from Scrum-half Will Genia and Fly-half Quade Cooper. Cooper has made a habit of feeding on what Genia does for him at the ruck area and together they have become the thorn in the flesh of many venerable opponents. Whatever this match might herald, it certainly does present the opportunity for Australia to try a few ruck side maneuvers that might hold them well in the death stages.
In the final run, nerves will be seriously tested and the lovers of sports will get an answer to how good Australia is without Pocock. As an aside, even Moore will be missing this important fixture owing to injury. At least, destiny is giving an impression of being on Ireland’s side from what little we get to grab of the pre-match situation.
