MX23RW : Monday, December 23 18:19:05| >> :600:993896:993896:
Rugby World Cup | Group Stage
Sep 23, 2015 at 4.45pm UK
 
Australia
28-13
Fiji
Pocock (27', 31'), Kepu (43')
FT
Volavola (60')

Australia coach Michael Cheika: Not "rocket science" to pick Hooper, Pocock

Australia coach Michael Cheika says that there was no requirement for "rocket science" in his decision to select both Michael Hooper and David Pocock to face Fiji.

Australia coach Michael Cheika has said that "rocket science" was not required in his decision to select both Michael Hooper and David Pocock for the Wallabies' opening Rugby World Cup fixture against Fiji.

Both Hooper and Pocock are recognised openside flankers, with Pocock moving into the number 8 berth for the Fiji clash.

"It's pretty hard not to pick one of them. It sort of means you pick them both. I am not trying to claim there is any brilliant rocket science behind it. You just have two very good players," Cheika told reporters ahead of Wednesday night's match.

"The way they have played throughout the Super Rugby season and in the rugby internationals, either together or separately, has forced the coach's hand - and that is exactly what you want from players."

Fiji coach John McKee, who's side were beaten by England in their opening tie, added: "We suspected Australia would go with Hooper and Pocock in the back row. That was the combination that was so successful in the Bledisloe Cup game in Sydney (against New Zealand) just over a month ago, so they have gone with that again and it gives them good mobility in the back row."

The Wallabies, who play Fiji at the Millennium Stadium on September 23, will also face Pool A ties against both England and Wales, as well as bottom side Uruguay.

ID:247812: cacheID:247812:1false2false3false:QQ:: from db desktop :LenBod:restore:2854:
Written by
Colm Hayes
No Data Analysis info
Restore Data
Share this article now:
Sekope Kepu of the Wallabies celebrates scoring a try during The Rugby Championship match between the Australia Wallabies and the New Zealand All Blacks at ANZ Stadium on August 8, 2015
Read Next:
Preview: Australia vs. Fiji
>
rhs 2.0
Today's games header


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
Argentina's Lionel Messi kisses the World Cup trophy after collecting the Golden Ball award on December 18, 2022Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!