AUSTRALIA
FIXTURES: August 19 v New Zealand (Sydney); August 26 v New Zealand (Dunedin); September 9 v South Africa (Perth); September 16 v Argentina (Canberra); September 30 v Australia Bloemfontein); October 7 v Argentina (Mendoza). SQUAD NEWS AND PREPARATIONS: It was a mixed June for Michael Cheika’s men with the best probably coming first when they dealt comfortably with a strong Fiji side, 37-14. Then came an uncomfortable afternoon against a fired-up Scotland who were good value for their 24-19 win and another shock defeat was possibly on the cards when they led narrowly (28-27) against Italy before they clinched their 40-27 victory with two late tries. STRENGTHS: Australia have still got a back line to threaten the very best but their big names sometimes seem to punch below their weight. The likes of Will Genia, Kurtley Beale, Bernard Foley, Israel Folau, Henry Speight, Dane Haylett-Petty and Tevita Kuridrani really ought to be taking teams apart. Michael Hooper seems on top of his game and should be inspired by the captaincy after Stephen Moore stepped down. WEAKNESSES: The old Achilles heel of the front five coming under pressure when the going really gets tough still applies, while with David Pocock still absent, Australia aren’t over endowed with top class backrow players to keep Hooper company. PLAYERS TO WATCH: The two big names retuning from Europe – Will
Genia and Kurtley Beale – were both in sparking end-of-season form. Can they take that back into the Test arena? Folau remains a considerable force in attack when used properly and, as ever, Hooper will lead the charge up front. RISING STAR: Allan Alaalatoa. Athletic Crusaders prop of Samoa extraction – his father played for Samoa in the 1991 World Cup and Allan represented Samoa U20.
CHAMPIONSHIP HISTORY: Won the Tri-Nations on three occasions – in 2000, 2001 and 2011 and taken the revamped four team tournament just once – in 2015 – when the key was their 27-19 win against New Zealand in Sydney. A thumping 34-9 victory over Argentina in Mendoza that year was also one of their most impressive wins in recent seasons. Runners-up last year but in truth a distant
second to New Zealand. SQUAD: Stephen Moore, Tatafu Polota-Nau, Jordan Uelese, Allan Alaalatoa, Tetera Faulkner, Sekope Kepu,Tom Robertson, Scott Sio, Rory Arnold, Adam Coleman, Kane Douglas, Izack Rodda, Rob Simmons, Jack Dempsey, Ned Hanigan, Michael Hooper (c), Sean McMahon, Adam Korczyk, Lopeti Timani, Will Genia, Nick Phipps, Joe Powell, Bernard Foley, Kurtley Beale, Reece Hodge, Samu Kerevi, Tevita Kuridrani, Bill Meakes, Dane Haylett-Petty, Marika Koroibete, Izaia Perese, Curtis Rona, Henry Speight, Israel Folau.
PREDICTION: Unconvincing and if New Zealand do the double over them first up could find themselves in a dog fight to avoid last place.