Michael Cheika: ‘Australia have a happy squad’

In an exclusive interview with Gulf News, Burke said Michael Cheika’s buoyant side were looking “really strong” ahead of the event, which kicks off on Friday.

Quade Cooper was playing for the Reds during Volavola’s Super Rugby debut for the Waratahs in 2013. “[People] are asking us about England, but all we’re thinking about is Fiji“.

“He’s an excellent motivator”.

I rate Australia and South Africa the main threats to the All Blacks’ hopes of retaining the Webb Ellis Trophy at the Rugby World Cup. He gives them the freedom to go and do what they have shown to be able to do. “We want to challenge what we’ve been focusing on for the past two months”.

“You definitely saw that in the style at Leinster. But [his enthusiasm] rubs off on other players, especially the older ones who see him running around”.

If he fires then South Africa’s green jerseys start to carry a far more menacing hue.

“Essentially when you’re out there you’re just backing your decisions and trying to work together as a backrow”, he said.

Inconsistent results were bad enough but things reached their lowest ebb past year when “badboy” utility back Kurtley Beale was suspended over lewd texts he sent to team official Di Patston.

The Wallabies have minute carnage and sold headlocks in training against another to guarantee they’re positioned for the World Cup holder. You look at France.

The Auckland-born Cooper was at the centre of a media storm at the 2011 World Cup, where he was made public enemy No1 by the rugby-loving nation.

The NSW lock bought tickets for the blockbuster Australia matches in January, when he was still playing at Exeter. I’m over here to win for this team. The bigger nations wouldn’t want to come up against them in the quarter-finals.

“The groundwork has been done, it’s about getting ready to be top performers on match day”.

“They produce special performances over a long period of time”.

Samoa can hardly be classed as outsiders these days but I am tipping them to beat Scotland during the group stage, and don’t be surprised if Tonga ruffle Argentina’s feathers.

“I think my game has changed [in the last four years]”.

“The fact is that when the benefits outweigh the negatives of selecting guys from overseas, then Australia needs to do it”, he stresses.

Four years ago Pocock was the only specialist openside flanker in the Wallabies’ World Cup squad.

“From a player’s salary point of view, it’s important because it means that a French club in particular or a United Kingdom club, doesn’t have the player all year around”.

“I don’t think there’s a valid argument against it. I think the reason why it’s a couple of years late is the contracts”.

“Knowing I’m here now and have an opportunity to play, it’s completely different but from that end you don’t’ take it for granted and it’s special honour to represent your country”.

Although backups Beauden Barrett and Colin Slade had the versatility factor to support their selection, I still feel Lima Sopoaga was an unlucky omission following his outstanding form in the Rugby Championship for the champion Highlanders.