World Cup Semi Final
Australia v Fiji
Friday 24 November 2017
Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane
The Rugby League World Cup finally moves to Brisbane on Friday night, and it is the most unlikely of match ups in the first semi-final. Fiji shocked the rugby league world last week with a win over the diabolical Kiwis, who have only just stopped blaming the media and fans for their debacle of a campaign. The Fijians will now be bracing themselves for the full force of the champion Kangaroos, who seem to be hitting their straps right on time.
Coach Mal Meninga must be seeing something he likes, as he takes an unchanged line up into this semi-final clash. The backline is starting to hum, and it was Valentine Holmes who was the beneficiary last week, bagging a record five tries against the hapless Samoans. In fact, Holmes was so good that he might actually be making a case that wing is his best position, especially with Kangaroo team mate Josh Dugan on his way to the Sharks next year. Michael Morgan has found his feet in the number 6, helping Holmes and Dugan to flourish down that left side. While Will Chambers and Dane Gagai have been solid, it's probably fair to say that they haven't recaptured their scintillating rep form from earlier in the year. No such worries about the mercurial Billy Slater, though, clearly re-establishing himself as the best fullback in the world. With perhaps only a year left to play, we should savour his performances while we still have the privilege of watching him.
The Australian forwards have been outstanding, but perhaps most impressive have been the performances of bench props Jordan McLean and Reagan Campbell-Gillard. In fact, even if Andrew Fifita was to return to eligibility for the Blues next year, he would struggle to force his way into the team based on the form of these two. More than the obvious ability they bring to the team, they are both quality men that the new Blues’ coach could build a culture around. For now, though, they will be looking to roll up the sleeves again this week.
For the Fijians, this is clearly the biggest game this nation has ever been involved in, and you get the feeling they won't be one bit intimidated by the occasion. They have absolutely nothing to lose, and with some superstars in the backline, and Api Koroisau pulling the strings from hooker, they will back themselves to turn this into a dog fight. Jarryd Hayne hasn't been the player we know he can be for a long time, but he will need an absolute blinder if the Fijians want to threaten the Kangaroos. But it is up front where the Australians will be too strong, with the Fijian forwards struggling to get their flamboyant finishers into good positions often enough. With the Aussies really starting to warm up, and a spot in the final on the line, expect a tight start to blow out in the Kangaroos’ favour in the second half. Back then to cover the 25.5 start, and you might be onto a good thing.
Head to Head
Australia 1.04
Fiji 11
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Enjoy your footy!
