WALES is gearing up to take on Australia this Sunday in what promises to be a pivotal clash, potentially determining which team advances to the quarter-finals. Warren Gatland, the experienced head coach of the Welsh side, has made some bold decisions in the team announcement for this crucial match, setting the stage for an intense rugby spectacle.
After a series of changes made for the previous match against Portugal, Gatland is expected to return to the core of the squad that secured a resounding victory against Fiji, setting Wales’ World Cup campaign on a successful course. However, one of the most contentious decisions looming is the selection between Scarlets hooker Ryan Elias and co-captain Dewi Lake. While Gatland is likely to bring back key players such as Dan Biggar, Liam Williams, Louis Rees-Zammit, Josh Adams, Gareth Davies, Nick Tompkins, and George North, there remains the possibility of unexpected surprises in the final lineup.
Adding to the intrigue, Wales is anxiously awaiting the fitness assessments of Tommy Reffell from the Leicester Tigers and former England tighthead Henry Thomas, both of whom have been grappling with lower leg injuries. An announcement regarding their availability is anticipated later this morning, adding an element of uncertainty to Wales’ preparations.
On the Australian front, Eddie Jones, the head coach of the Wallabies, has introduced significant changes to his lineup. Ben Donaldson will shift from full-back to outside-half in place of Carter Gordon, who will be on the bench. Unfortunately for Australia, key forwards Taniela Tupou and Will Skelton remain sidelined due to injuries, presenting a significant challenge for the team.
The stakes couldn’t be higher for both sides. If Wales manages to triumph over Australia in Lyon on Sunday, it would mark a historic moment as it would be the first time the former world champions face elimination at the pool stages. Conversely, a loss for Wales could also jeopardize their journey to the competition’s last-eight stage, making this match a true make-or-break moment.
Speaking ahead of this crucial encounter, Wales centre Nick Tompkins expressed the magnitude of the game saying:
“This is the biggest game of my career coming up and I think everyone feels the same way. We will not take this team lightly in any way shape or form. It’s an Eddie Jones who can inspire performances from a Japan side to beat South Africa in 2015, from getting England to a World Cup final in 2019.
“They are a world-class outfit. They are probably reeling a little bit at the moment but there is going to be an answer and some form of comeback to what has been going on. They are getting a bit of heat from the media as well so they have no lack of motivation on their side.
“We need to be ready from the off but at the same time we can’t have too much emotion because when you have just emotion it can cause problems, wear you out and you can make mistakes. We have to get the right balance.”
Maintaining the right balance of emotions will be key, as Tompkins cautioned against being overly emotional, which can lead to mistakes on the field. With both teams poised to give their all, the stage is set for an electrifying contest that rugby fans worldwide eagerly await.
Here are the confirmed lineups for the match:
Wales:
- Liam Williams
- Louis Rees-Zammit
- George North
- Nick Tompkins
- Josh Adams
- Dan Biggar
- Gareth Davies
- Gareth Thomas
- Ryan Elias
- Tomas Francis
- Will Rowlands
- Adam Beard
- Aaron Wainwright
- Jac Morgan (captain)
- Taulupe Faletau
Replacements:
- Elliot Dee
- Corey Domachowski
- Henry Thomas
- Dafydd Jenkins
- Taine Basham
- Tomos Williams
- Gareth Anscombe
- Rio Dyer
Australia:
- Andrew Kellaway
- Mark Nawaqanitawase
- Jordan Petaia
- Samu Kerevi
- Marika Koroibete
- Ben Donaldson
- Tate McDermott
- Angus Bell
- David Porecki (capt)
- James Slipper
- Nick Frost
- Richie Arnold
- Rob Leota
- Tom Hooper
- Rob Valetini
Replacements:
- Matt Faessler
- Blake Schoupp
- Pone Fa’amausili
- Matt Philip
- Fraser McReight
- Nic White
- Carter Gordon
- Suliasi Vunivalu
When is it?
This is the last game of the third weekend of the World Cup. Kick-off is at 8pm UK time (9pm local time) on Sunday night. That’s Sunday 24 September.
How to watch on TV
ITV have the broadcast rights to every match at the World Cup. This one is on ITV1.
