Aussies ring changes for Georgia test
SHIZUOKA: For most coaches at the Rugby World Cup, selection stability is a key issue as the knockout rounds loom. Not for Australia coach Michael Cheika.
Cheika has changed his halves pairing for tomorrow’s match against Georgia for the third time in four matches, naming Matt To’omua at fly-half and Nic White at scrum-half as he searches for his strongest combination a week out from the quarter-finals.
Bernard Foley and Christian Leali’ifano have previously started in the No.10 jersey in Australia’s wins over Fiji and Uruguay and their loss to Wales. Cheika will now try To’omua, who has started only four of 50 Test matches at fly-half.
Leali’ifano combined with White against Fiji and Uruguay while Foley paired with Will Genia against Wales.
Cheika says his selection changes serve the dual purpose of managing player workload — Leali’ifano played all 80 minutes against Uruguay — and promoting competition for positions.
To’omua is “a different player to Leali’ifano and Foley,” Cheika said. “He’s got a different style and he’s done well in the opportunities he’s been given.”
Foley and Leali’ifano haven’t yet been able to preside over the 80 minute performance Chieka has been looking for and he now hopes the 29-year-old To’omua, in his first start at fly-half since November, might be able to guide a more complete performance.
“This is how we think this squad is best is to keep giving opportunities to guys to keep the contest alive with others,” Chieka said. “So if we do the right thing and get through knockout stages, we know everyone’s been a part of doing their bit.
“Some want to go with the same players all the time and maybe rest out. We feel like keeping players competing for spots is working for us.”