Michael Cheika says Australia will go into their match against England as underdogs. Photo / Getty Images
Michael Cheika says Australia will go into their match against England as underdogs. Photo / Getty Images
All the latest news from the Rugby World Cup overnight including an extremely self effacing Australian coach Michael Cheika.
REBEL YELL
Melbourne Rebel Telusa Veainu, a former New Zealand under-20 player, starred as Tonga clung on to beat Namibia 35 - 21 in the only game overnight. The Northland born Veainu, who emerged through the Canterbury system. Veainu is a big All Black fan and has explained how he and his parents were on opposite side when New Zealand played Tonga at Eden Park in the first game of the 2011 tournament. His performance this morning should ensure he lines up against the world champions in the final pool game in Newcastle.
There are no games on Thursday, a chance for a breather before the weekend battles. Not that England will be breathing all that easily, with the pressure coming from all sides after dropping a game they should have won against Wales. All eyes will be on Sunday's clash against Australia, which is shaping as one of the epic battles of World Cup history.
PULL THE OTHER ONE
Australian coach Michael Cheika is claiming underdog status for his side in Sunday's highly anticipated Pool of Death clash against beleaguered England. After the hosts' woeful effort against Wales, Australia will be warm favourites in many people's minds.
But Cheika was self effacing, in the extreme. "We're coming from a fair way back," he told The Guardian. "I don't want to be critical of ourselves, but we have a relatively inexperienced coaching staff at international level. So we are just doing our best as we go along." How cute...doesn't sound like the Michael Cheika we normally know and love. Bet he's a touch more belligerent behind closed World Cup doors.
NOT LIKE FOR LIKE
Cheika has lost forwards Will Skelton and Wycliff Palu for the rest of the tournament. After calling up hooker James Hanson to replace No. 8 Palu, Cheika explained that he did so because the dual openside system of Michael Hooper and David Pocock was working. He confirmed that the Japan-bound veteran Palu's test career was probably over. "Wycliff has been a very remarkable player for Australia," Cheika said.
WHAT DOES THIS MEAN FOR ALL BLACKS?
Australia have long struggled in the power department against the All Blacks. Should they meet, the loss of Skelton and Palu robs Australia of considerable bulk.
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