Fiji and Australia to front up in Cardiff

CARDIFF – The Wallabies know they have a 195-centimetre, 130-kilogramme hurdle to overcome in their World Cup opener in the shape of Fijian talisman Nemani Nadolo.

“He’s always been that kind of player with the X-factor – a big boy with a lot of skill,” said Wallabies prop Sekope Kepu, who played alongside Nadolo at Randwick in 2007.

“He’s one to watch and we’ve got systems to try to nullify his game and put him under a bit of heat.”

Nadolo showcased his talents in Fiji’s 35-11 loss to England on Saturday – scoring a try, kicking goals and being their go-to option at all times.

And his damaging runs, crashing through defensive lines and skittling defenders, have the Wallabies on high alert.

With Australia and Fiji pledging to stick to their traditions of attacking rugby, Cardiff should be in for a cracking Rugby World Cup contest when the Pool A rivals clash at the Millennium Stadium on Thursday morning.

The Wallabies, winners of both previous World Cups played in Britain, finally get their campaign under way six days into the tournament and will be strong favourites to start with a win over the Pacific Islanders.

After Japan’s victory over the Springboks on Saturday, however, no one is taking anything for granted and Fiji showed enough in its defeat against England to suggest that it is capable of an upset if everything comes together.

Australia coach Michael Cheika has long made it clear that the Wallabies will never play conservative rugby on his watch,whatever the conditions.

“That’s the way we play, to play with attack,” Cheika said on Monday. “It’s part of our identity. We’re not going to change our ways just because it’s a World Cup.”

Australia will aim to unleash the likes of full-back Israel Folau, but first it must secure the ball. To that end, Cheika has selected twin openside flankers in David Pocock and Michael Hooper.

The last time the pair started together was in Australia’s August victory over the All Blacks in Sydney to secure the Rugby Championship.

Fiji has some potent attacking weapons itself, not least hulking winger Nadolo, who the Australians know very well from Super Rugby.

Regardless of the threat with ball in hand, however, Nadolo or fly half Ben Volavola must make the most of any points on offer from the kicking tee.

Flanker Dominiko Waqaniburotu has been ruled out of the match after being suspended for a dangerous tackle against England and coach John McKee has made three other changes to freshen up his pack.