Rugby league World cup 2015 : Australia v Fiji , Scotland v Japan preview

Australia v Fiji (Pool A): 1.45am (AEST), Thursday, September 24 at Millennium Stadium, Cardiff

Australia’s first step on their pool-of-death path is taking on the dangerous Fijians in Wales, and Michael Cheika has shown his hand by picking Will Genia and Bernard Foley as his halves combination, with Quade Cooper left out of the 23. Michael Hooper and David Pocock will both start in the loose trio, Rob Simmons and Kane Douglas pair up in the second-row, and Matt Giteau will wear the No.12 in a line-up that otherwise contains no surprises.

Fiji were spirited in their 35-11 tournament-opening loss to England – trailing by just seven with 15 minutes to go – but their ball control and penchant for kicking away possession with ill-conceived short kicks let them down badly. They have made just three changes to that line-up – all in the forwards. The Wallabies will be wary of Crusaders wing danger-man Nameni Nadolo after his dynamic showing against England.

Australia could be a bit rusty, but should finish over the top of the weary Fijians, who have had a short five-day turnaround leading into this clash. The $13 on offer for a Fiji boilover is tempting for a flutter, but realistically the Wallabies will go close to knocking off the 25.5pts start with a late rush.

The Wallabies have won 16 of the 19 matches between the sides, last going down to Fiji in 1954. Their last meeting resulted in a 49-3 victory to the green-and-golds in 2010.

The Way It’s Shaping

Australia by 30

Recommended Bet

Australia -25.5pts ($1.91)
First Try Scorer – Adam Ashley-Cooper ($7.50)
First scoring play – Australia Penalty Goal ($2.50)

Scotland v Japan (Pool B): 11.30pm (AEST), Wednesday, September 23 at Kingsholm, Gloucester

Riding the glorious high of their stunning upset of the Springboks in Brighton, The Cherry Blossoms take on the Pool B second seed, Scotland, in a clash that will have a major bearing on quarter-final qualification. The Scots are unlikely to be caught on the hop by Japan after getting a harrowing sneak-peek on Saturday, and have named a virtual full-strength side – with captain and halfback Greig Laidlaw and flyhalf Finn Russell at the forefront.

Japan have made six changes to the side that pipped South Africa, including replacing both starting props, while Haqrumichi Tatekawa moves from centre to flyhalf, and Amanaki Lelei Mafi has been promoted from the bench to No.8.

Scotland has won all four previous matches between the nations, by an average margin of 44 points.

The underdogs’ watershed performance has seen Japan listed at a cautious $5.75 for the win with a 14.5pts start, but the four-day turnaround will make it very tough to pull off another giant upset. Nevertheless, Scotland do struggle to score tries, and if Japan plays with the same commitment and daring as they did on the weekend it’s difficult to see this one turning into a blowout.

The Way It’s Shaping

Scotland by 8

Recommended Bet

Japan +16.5 ($1.91)

France v Romania (Pool D): 5.00am (AEST), Thursday, September 24 at Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, London

France opened their campaign with a solid 32-10 win over Italy, but have made 13 changes to that side with a short four-day turnaround to contend with. No.8 Louis Picamoles and winger Noa Nakaitaci are the only players retained from the victory against the Azzuri. Hooker Dimitri Szarzewski has been named captain, while Morgan Parra and Remi Tales are the new halves pairing.

Romania, who warmed up for the World Cup with a 21-16 loss to Tonga, have named a very experienced line-up for the showdown with their arch-rivals. The Europeans nations have met 49 times, with France winning 39 and Romania eight, with two drawn. France has won the last five by an average of 46.6 points.

France should win relatively comfortably, but the influx of new players will affect continuity so take on the 40.5pts line at your peril. Favourites are just 2-6 against the line at the tournament so far – although Les Bleus are one of those two sides to have prevailed ATS.

The Way It’s Shaping

France by 22

Recommended Bet

Romania +40.5pts ($1.91)