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MONTPELLIER - Fiji's decision to pick a below-strength team for their World Cup clash against Australia has convinced the Wallabies to change their game plan to a more conservative style.
The Australians picked their best available team in anticipation of a fast, open game on Monday (NZ time) but Fiji's selections have forced them into a re-think.
Worried that their tactics could play into Fiji's hands, the Australians are now planning to revert to a more structured game to try and deny the Pacific Islanders any possession in the Pool B contest.
"There's certainly a little bit of the unknown for us," Australia fullback Chris Latham told reporters on Friday.
"We need to concentrate on what we need to do and that's definitely making sure that we're clinical in what we're doing with the ball but, more to the point, we're very clinical in our defence.
"If we don't give Fiji a sniff then obviously they can't do the things they love to do."
Australia adopted a similar strategy in their opening Pool B against Japan in Lyon and the plan worked perfectly.
The Wallaby forwards slowly ground down their opponents in the first half before unleashing the backs in the second term, scoring 68 unanswered points after the break to record a 91-3 win.
Latham, who is arguably Australia's most instinctive player, said the key to playing that sort of game was to ensure that the team's defence was water-tight and the players don't turn over too much ball.
"We're all singing from the same book," he said.
"If we're not clinical there and we turn over a bit of ball, we know how dangerous the Fijians can get."
The Australians expect Fiji to approach the game with the attitude of having nothing to lose so they have worked hard on defending against counter-attacks.
Australia's defence coach John Muggleton said the Wallabies would need to be extra careful with their kicking game and keep a close eye on the Fijian back three in case they launch a sudden attack.
"When we kick we'll make sure we form a line first and we'll cover all avenues there because the back three aren't great kickers," Muggleton said.
"They love to run the ball back, they run it back hard and they run nice angles, so we need to be on top of our game there."
Fiji
15-Norman Ligairi, 14-Vilimoni Delasau, 13-Maleli Kunavore, 12-Seremaia Bai (captain), 11-Isoa Neivua, 10-Waisea Luveniyali, 9-Jone Daunivucu, 8-Jone Qovu, 7-Aca Ratuva, 6-Netani Talei, 5-Ifereimi Rawaqa, 4-Isoa Domolailai, 3-Henry Qiodravu, 2-Vereniki Sauturaga, 1-Alefoso Yalayalatabua.
Reserves: 16-Bill Gadolo, 17-Jone Railomo, 18-Wame Lewaravu, 19-Sisa Koyamaibole, 20-Mosese Rauluni, 21-Gabiriele Lovobalavu, 22-Seru Rabeni.
- REUTERS
