Just when Australia thought they were having a high moment
of what has been one of their worst years in the professional era, but their
boozy escapades in Dublin don’t look like they’ll rob them of a potential
victory against Scotland this evening.
15 members of the travelling squad have been disciplined,
with Adam Ashley-Cooper, Nick Cummins, Tatafu Polota-Nau, Benn Robinson and
Liam Gill all absenct from today’s game after a late night out in Dublin
following a team dinner last Tuesday, meaning that plenty of rearranging is
necessary for Australia’s backline ahead of this clash.
However if one side could handle changes to their backline,
it’s the Wallabies, and the replacements for Adam Ashley-Cooper and the in form
Nick Cummins come in the shape of the exciting Joe Tomane and novice Chris
Feauai-Sautia.
Tevita Kuridrani may be banned for his tap tackle on Peter
O’Mahony but Christian Leali'ifano has made a fine impression at 13 in his 11
caps since the Lions series and provides power and subtlety alongside Mike
Harris, who gets a rate chance at inside centre with Berrick Barnes, James
O’Connor, and Pat McCabe all out of the reckoning.
The Scots were overwhelmed by Willie Le roux’s running from
deep and in Israel Folau they face one of the world’s best fullbacks, and the
Genia/Cooper halfback combination has looked comfortable from the word go, with
Australia’s mercurial flyhalf playing
some of his best rugby on the international stage since Australia last won the
Tri-Nations three years ago.
Australia look likely to miss Scott Fardy in particular from
the from the pack but they can gain at least parity with the Scottish front 5
on the evidence of their dominant win over an admittedly disappointing Ireland
in Dublin last week.
Scotland provided even less resistance against South Africa,
being swiped aside at arm’s length 28-0, and while they might get on the
scoreboard this time around, the Wallabies can warmup in style for a visit to
the Millennium Stadium next week with a convincing victory. Take the visitors
to cover a 11 point handicap, or to win by 11-20 points.
Advice
3 pts Australia -11 (10/11 general
1 pt Australia to win by 11-20 points (13/5 Paddy Power)
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