Rugby World Cup 2007: Australia Squad

Rugby World Cup 2007 is going to be started from 7 September. Twenty teams will play in four groups of five teams. This time, France will host Rugby World Cup 2007 and in the opening match France will face Argentina. Rugby World Cup 2007 is going to be sixth edition of this tournament.

Now, ahead of the tournament, the competing countries are now unveiling their final squads. Players and officials are busy with final preparation for the most prestigious tournament of the Rugby world. Now, I am going to write about the Australian side of the tournament.

Australia is the most successful team in the history of Rugby World Cup as they won two world cup titles yet. Australia will play in Group B where Canada, Fiji, Japan and Wales will play in the group stage. Australia will play their first match against Japan on 8 September.

In the 30 men Australian squad the surprising inclusion is Berrick Barnes. The 21 year old fly half plays for Queensland in domestic Rugby. He impressed with his performance for Australia A in IRB Pacific Nations Cup tournament. Berrick Barnes has not play any match for Australia. So, his debut for Australia will be something special as his debut is going to be in world cup.

Australian squad seems to be a combination of both youth and experienced players. Australia’s George Gregan is the most capped Rugby player in the world. His experience of playing in 134 international rugby matches will definitely help Australia for their third world cup title campaign. Stirling Mortlock remains as captain in the Rugby World Cup 2007. Chris Latham has come back to the team after his six months struggle with knee injury.

The Official Rugby World Cup reported:

“Stirling embraced the captaincy role during the Tri Nations and really led from the front with his performances on the field. He’s a player that the other players enjoying playing with and his leadership has grown immensely during the season,” Connolly said.

“A number of selections were very tight and you feel for the players that have missed out [on the squad], but we are very comfortable with the squad we have selected and we’re certain they will acquit themselves well in France,” Connolly added.

I think, Australia is favorite for the 2007 Rugby World Cup and they will try to win their third Rugby world cup. I am giving the 30 men Australian squad from the official website of Rugby World Cup below:

Forwards (17): Alistair Baxter, Mark Chisholm, Matt Dunning, Rocky Elsom, Adam Freier, Sean Hardman, Stephen Hoiles, Greg Holmes, David Lyons, Hugh McMeniman, Stephen Moore, Wycliff Palu, Nathan Sharpe, Guy Shepherdson, George Smith, Dan Vickerman, Phil Waugh.

Backs (13): Adam Ashley-Cooper, Berrick Barnes, Sam Cordingley, Mark Gerrard, Matt Giteau, George Gregan, Julian Huxley, Stephen Larkham, Chris Latham, Drew Mitchell, Stirling Mortlock (Captain), Scott Staniforth, Lote Tuqiri.