Tokyo (AFP)
They will have to resist the pressure of the game at the opponent's foot, but they have the experience for: the backs of Australia and Wales, Dane Haylett-Petty and Liam Williams, will have a decisive role in the shock of Group D Sunday (9:45 French) in Tokyo.
. Assure his backs
Who would have thought that Australian veterans Dane Haylett-Petty (30 years old, 34 caps) and Adam Ashley-Cooper (35 years old, 119 caps) would be the last wallabies of the Wallabies for a poster of the World Cup-2019 after a disappointing France dating back to 2010 for the first (Biarritz), to 2015 for the second (Bordeaux-Bègles)?
With the other winger Marika Koroibete, also ripe (27 years, 25 sel.) For such a challenge, the rear triangle expects to be heavily targeted by the foot of the Welsh opener Dan Biggar. "We know they like to kick and kick," says Haylett-Petty. Coach Michael Cheika has played the card of the experiment, also at the hinge (Bernard Foley and Will Genia), to try "to annihilate our threat to the foot," said his opposite Warren Gatland.
With Foley at the opening, the Australians "will probably play a little more on foot than before," anticipates the coach Welsh who does not lack experience no longer in his three-quarter: his rear Liam Williams (28, 59 sel.) Is one of the best in the world at this position. Excellent defender, the Saracens player had perfectly managed to contain the English air threat, another reference in this area, during the victory in February in the Six Nations Tournament (21-13).
. Tipuric, the call to calm
Australian captain Michael Hooper has found his buddy David Pocock, injured just in time to indulge their favorite passion: scrape the ball in the rucks. "They have a very competitive N.6 (Pocock) and N.7 (Hooper), and the hooker (Tolu Latu) is also a threat" in the spontaneous scrums, warns Welsh forward Robin McBryde. "We have to make sure there is no delay between the ball carrier and the first comers" in support, he adds.
To face the duo "Pooper", the Welsh can count on the third line Justin Tipuric, very prominent in the first match won against Georgia (43-14). Author of the first try of the XV Leek, the Ospreys player could have been appointed man of the match for his work with or without the ball, said McBryde who emphasizes the importance of this frame (30 years) in the group: "Justin This calm air does not speak much, but when it does, it has weight. "
. Arnold and Jones, giants shod
Tipuric will have another battle to fight with his captain Alun Wyn Jones: the touch, where they will face the Australian giant Rory Arnold (2.08 m). The future Toulouse - not to be confused with his twin brother Richie, who lives in the same position and in the same club - is aware of attacking a monument in the person of Jones, who will become Sunday the most cape player of the XV history of the Leek (130th selection).
"This is a second world class line, playing his best rugby" at age 34, says Arnold who wants to "extinguish" the Welsh captain. Going through mauls, as against the Fijians (39-21)? "This is an asset we put in our sleeve this week" in training, says Arnold. "Maybe we'll get it out, maybe not." In all sectors, a chess game not to be missed.
© 2019 AFP