Australia has named a side for their clash with Romania which closely resembles the one which defeated Argentina 24-8 in the opening game of the RWC.
Form guide
Both teams will have had at least a week’s break from their last game, the Wallabies coming off a win against Argentina whilst the Oaks will be licking their wounds after going down to Ireland 45-17.
Previous meetings
The two countries have only played each other twice before and only at RWC’s. In both fixtures Australia have run out victors by decisive margins, the 1995 Pool round witnessed a 42–3 victory whilst in 1999 they recorded a 57–9 win at Ravenhill in Belfast.
Ins and outs
Australia has made only one change from its team which beat Argentina, lock David Giffin, who sustained a shoulder injury, has been replaced by David Vickerman in the starting side.
The South African born Vickerman, who replaced Giffin against Argentina, has in turn been replaced by experienced lock Justin Harrison on the bench. Stirling Mortlock makes his return to the team via the bench at the expense of Waratahs scrum half Chris Whitaker.
Romania have made three changes to the starting side, most notable will be the absence of prop Petru Balan who injured his ankle against Ireland.
Key players
Romania will again be looking to the mercurial skills of Ionut Tofan to get their backline moving. Tofan’s short kicking game asked plenty of questions of the Irish defence while his elusive runs showed he will be a danger to any defence that does not stay on its toes.
With Romania basing their game around their hardened pack, Australia will look to the energetic George Smith to control the breakdown. His ability to cause turnovers will be crucial as the Wallabies look to turn to attack at every possible opportunity.
What it means
Australia will be keen to secure the bonus point after Ireland secured one to take the top spot in Pool A after the opening games. Romania won many admirers after their spirited opening match and will be looking to build on the revival of Romanian rugby they look to have begun at RWC 2003.
What they said
“Romanian people, we are genetically very strong and the culture for the Romanian rugby team is to be strong in the forwards - it's a tradition,” said coach Bernard Charreyre.
"In this modern rugby you have to be complete, it's not enough to have a very good scrum and with [just] a scrum you are not going to obtain a victory in a game against Australia so we have to play complete rugby."
Wallabies coach Eddie Jones remarked, "We'd like to get a bit of fluency out of the game. I think people are underestimating Romania a bit. They're a very physical side, they really took it to Ireland last week."
Match details
Australia v Romania
Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane
18 October 16:00