Folau doubtful for Wales clash

The suspension of Michael Hooper has intensified the scrutiny of Australia’s backrow ahead of the Pool A decider against Wales this weekend.

The fiery Rebels star, who will occupy the No. 7 jersey at Twickenham in place of suspended vice-captain Michael Hooper, beat fellow back-rower Ben McCalman to the starting lineup against Wales in one of three changes from the team that thrashed England last Saturday.

The 31-year-old – who like fly-half Quade Cooper traversed the Tasman Sea from New Zealand to don the green and gold of their bitter rivals – said it was the start a series of finals which he hopes will culminate in a historic third title on October 31.

The 23-year-old was cited for a shoulder charge into Mike Brown during the Wallabies’ devastating 33-13 victory over England last weekend.

Wales forwards coach Robin McBryde has urged Prince Harry to switch allegiance from England to the Dragons following the host nation’s early Rugby World Cup exit. We want to finish top of the pool and stamp our authority. Wales know Australia is a good side, but they’re in a good position.

Former Wales five-eighth Barry John wrote a column suggesting Gatland rest star goalkicker Dan Biggar and halfback Gareth Davies, with a quarter-final spot already locked up and a backline desperate to avoid any more injuries.

“We’ve still got so much to do”, Cheika said of the Wallabies’ rapid progress.

“We’ll have to be really strong, consistently strong in the the way we play the game over 80 minutes”.

Douglas has been a force in defence during the World Cup keeping his completion rate well above 80% and forcing a couple of crucial turnovers. It’s up to us to keep it going and keep it moving forward.

“Whoever plays there for them, they have strength in depth no matter what”.

“I think every chance (McMahon has) got to play for Australia so far he’s been outstanding”, he said.

Anscombe, whose mother is from Cardiff, was called into the squad as an injury replacement last month, and he has overcome an ankle problem himself to regain full fitness.

While both teams are guaranteed to progress from the pool, there is still plenty at stake in the match on Saturday, with a likely quarter-final against South Africa the fate of the losing side.

The versatile back scored all 14 of Australia’s points in a dramatic 2012 victory that condemned Wales to a world ranking of ninth and led directly to the formation of the toughest pool in World Cup history.