USA
Saracens man Chis Wyles will skipper the USA on the occasion of his 50th cap, but he starts on the left wing instead of his usual international position of either fullback or centre due to the form of Blaine Scully, himself well-known to Premiership fans. Speedster Takudzwa Ngwenya, scorer of one of the finest tries in World Cup history in which he burnt the allegedly fastest man in world rugby Bryan Habana, in 2007, completes the back three.
Up front there are a couple more familiar names as former Leicester prospect Greg Peterson (now with Glasgow Warriors) packs down at lock, and the rather ominous figure of Samu Manoa lurks at the back in the number eight shirt, having returned from injury and commitments with his new club, Toulon. One notable absence is former skipper, Todd Clever, who remains out of favour in the current international set-up under head coach Mike Tolkin.
USA Rugby chief executive Nigel Melville has described the Yanks’ World Cup squad as the ‘best prepared’ in the Eagles’ history, and they are quietly eying a couple of scalps at this year’s showpiece. Looking through their squad, there’s no doubting the quality of some of their established names above, but the test will be whether or not those who don’t play professionally or for top clubs can complement their obvious natural talent with the composure and confidence that only comes from playing regular top-level rugby. Tolkin won’t be expecting a win, but he won’t be expecting a walkover for the Wallabies either – and he’ll be interested to see how his side maintain their discipline and systems under pressure from some of the world’s best.
One to watch: Samu Manoa
Well, you’re not going to miss him, are you? The gargantuan Toulon man is now legendary in a certain corner of the Midlands, where he plied his trade tickling the rib cages of backs and fellow forwards alike. If there’s one man who can let the Wallabies know that this isn’t a summer jolly before the tournament, it’s Manoa.
Australia
Michael Cheika has rested most of his first choice players for their final World Cup warm-up game in Chicago this weekend, so in many ways it’s more telling, in terms of relevance for the opening game, who hasn’t been selected. My favourite prop, James Slipper (the guy has a hell of a step), captains the side in the absence of regular Stephen Moore, and vice-captains Michael Hooper and Adam Ashley-Cooper are also rested, along with the not-so-secret weapon, Israel Folau.
Henry Speight is named in the centres alongside the veteran Matt Giteau, while Kurtley Beale starts at fullback. The giant Fijian-born winger Taqele Naiyaravoro is named on the bench and will make his Wallabies debut if brought on, and Bernard Foley gets a chance to stake a claim for the 10 shirt alongside Waratahs teammate Nick Phipps.
The men in gold will be desperate to carry on from their maiden Rugby Championship title, where they beat the All Blacks – although their last outing, the return Bledisloe fixture, ended in a proper walloping for the Wallabies. Cheika will hope the former is a true barometer of where his side sits currently.
With due respect to the USA – however well-prepared they are now – the opposition shouldn’t be putting up too much of a fight on the scoresheet, but the objectives for this fixture will be simple and, potentially, crucial when it comes to the starting selection in England. The set-piece – particularly the scrum – will be expected to continue its upward trajectory and get on top of the Yanks to provide a good platform, whilst several ‘possibles’ – such as Bernard Foley, Henry Speight and Kane Douglas – will all hope for a good run out to prove their form.
One to Watch: Bernard Foley
After taking to international rugby like a duck to water in 2013-14, the Tahs’ playmaker has struggled for consistency along with his half-back partner, Nick Phipps. Although he’s still got the skillset to dart through a gap or thread the needle with a grubber, he’s now just as likely to bang the ball out on the full or drop the pill under no real pressure. It all smacks of ‘second season syndrome’ and, even against limited opposition, he will need to show composure and good-decision making to allay fears about his ability to work under pressure.
Prediction
The end result isn’t really in doubt, but I don’t think we’ll see a hiding on the scale that we witnessed when the All Blacks rolled into town last time around. The Eagles are well-coached, well-drilled, and have some talented players in their ranks – but the Australian ‘second-string’ side still oozes shed-loads of class and international experience, and that’s something that the hosts will struggle to deal with. I suspect that they will be competitive for the first 50-60 minutes but, once the game starts to break up, I expect the Wallabies to run away with it. Australia by 32.
By Mike Cooper (@RuckedOver)
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