Rugby World Cup 2007 is going to be started from 7 September 2007. Now, all the participating teams are busy with their last minute preparation and are solving the problems. Coaches are busy with making strategies for the world cup 2007. This year, the tournament is going to be held in France for the first time.
Australia is the most successful Rugby playing country in Rugby World Cup history. Australia is the only team who has won Rugby World Cup title twice in the history. First time they won the world cup in 1991 in England. Australia got their second world cup in 1999. Australia is one of the most favorite teams of Rugby World Cup 2007. Australia never missed semi final stage of any world cup except in 1995 world cup rugby in South Africa. Australia lost against England in the final match of the last world cup in 2003. So, the Aussies will try to get back their trophy this time in Fracne.
Australia will play in Pool B where they have to face 1991 quarter finalist Canada, 1987 quarter finalist Fiji, 1987 semi finalist Wales and Asian power Japan. So, Australia should not have any problem to get into the quarter final stage. I think, Australia will enter into the knock out stage as the champion of Pool B. So, Australia may face defending champion England or South Africa in quarter final. It is hard to make any prediction because any thing can happen in any match. Upset is very common thing in sports. I guess, if Australia can win the quarter final match then they may face New Zealand and France in the semi final. However, it is nothing but a mere prediction. Here, I am giving the schedule of pool stage matches of Australia rugby team:
Pool B
| Date | Competing Teams | Venue | Referee |
| 8-9-2007 | Australia vs Japan | Lyon | Alan Lewis (Ireland) |
| 15-9-2007 | Australia vs Wales | Cardiff | Steve Walsh (New Zealand) |
| 23-9-2007 | Australia vs Fiji | Montpellier | Nigel Owens (Wales) |
| 29-9-2007 | Australia vs Canada | Bordeaux | Chris White (England) |
Australia has both young and experienced players in their world cup squad. 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. 21 year old fly half, Berrick Barnes is going to play his first international match in Rugby world cup 2007. So, you can see that Australian team balanced and I am sure, they will be one of the strongest contenders of 2007 Rugby World Cup.
If you are interested to get the Australia squad of Rugby World Cup 2007 then click here.
The Australian side I will admit is good; however, this is arguably one of the weakest teams that they have entered into the RWC so far. Their lack of experience and lately poor form would suggest that they are not one to watch for in the finals.
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