Australia v United States, Rugby World Cup, September 23
Wounded Wallabies desperate to bounce back
ESPNscrum Staff
September 21, 2011
Australia's Will Genia and Quade Cooper are in shock after losing to Ireland, Australia v Ireland, Rugby World Cup, Eden Park, Auckland, New Zealand, September 17, 2011
Quade Cooper was among the Wallabies heavily criticised for his display against Ireland © Getty Images
Enlarge

A chastened Australia side will look to put their Rugby World Cup campaign back on track against the United States in Wellington on Wednesday.

In the biggest upset of the tournament so far the Wallabies were bullied and beaten by Ireland at Eden Park on Saturday. And following the 15-6 defeat on the pitch, they got a kicking in the Australian media. All of which makes their Pool C clash with the US Eagles essential to their progression in the tournament and retention of confidence within the camp. Anything but a convincing victory will be a disaster for the Tri-Nations champions.

The United States, therefore, are unlikely to have savoured Australia's demise - despite their many links to the Emerald Isle. The US Eagles are one point behind the Wallabies and Italy in the Pool C standings after their victory over Russia and defeat to table-topping Ireland.

Australia - Player to Watch: With James Horwill rested, Reds scrum-half Will Genia will assume the responsibility of leading Australia's riposte. The scrum-half had no chance against Ireland behind a retreating pack, but against the USA he should have the platform to ignite the Australia backline.

Australia - Team News: Coach Robbie Deans has elected to make a number of changes to his starting line-up. Rob Horne and Drew Mitchell are recalled to the backline, with Adam Ashley-Cooper starting at right wing in the absence of James O'Connor. Nathan Sharpe comes into the second-row in place of James Horwill, with Scott Higginbotham and Rob Simmons also starting in the pack. Ben McCalman continues at openside, with David Pocock not risked.

United States - Player to Watch: Nottingham scrum-half Tim Usasz was born in Brisbane, Australia, but will skipper the US Eagles for the first time, against the Wallabies. It will be fascinating to see how he goes against possibly the best No.9 in world rugby.

United States - Team News: Team News: USA coach Eddie O'Sullivan has made 14 changes for his side's clash with Australia. Saracens second-row Hayden Smith is the only player to be retained following the tight victory over Russia. Captaincy duties will fall to Nottingham scrum-half Tim Usasz, who will lead the makeshift side.

Key Battle: If the United States are to have any chance of stemming the flow against Australia, they must do what they can to starve the Wallabies' ruthless backline of possession. Australia's scrum was exposed against Ireland and US Eagles' tight five, lead by Hayden Smith, will be central to their hopes of holding the Wallabies.

Stats: In 2010 Drew Mitchell scored nine tries in 13 starts for Australia. He is also joint-third top try-scorer for Australia at World Cups with seven.

Trivia: The United States have never scored more than one try in a Test against Australia in six meeting between the sides.

Quote Unquote:

"This is an important game and we want to see some adjustment. We've got to see an adjustment from our experience last weekend. The key elements there were decision-making, discipline and our ineptitude in the contact. So this is a chance for them to show that the message is sinking in." - Australia coach Robbie Deans demands an improved display

"I think any team that comes off the field (after a loss), the next day out you want to make a statement. I have no doubt the intent of Australia against us will be to lay down a marker again to ensure they're back on track. But that's all about Australia, that's nothing we can concern ourselves with." - US Eagles coach Eddie O'Sullivan is wary of wounded Wallabies

Prediction: Australia to take out their frustrations on a revamped US Eagles side, with the Wallabies, led by Will Genia and Quade Cooper, racking up more than 50 points.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.

Live Sports

Communication error please reload the page.