LONDON, (Reuters) – Australian coach Michael Cheika and his star players have been getting all the attention during the Rugby World Cup but the Wallabies know their chances of winning the tournament are dependent on the depth of their squad and the backroom staff.
After fighting their way through the so-called group of death with England and Wales, then surviving a heart-stopping quarter-final against Scotland, the Wallabies are battling a high-injury list and fatigue as they prepare for Sunday’s semi-final against Argentina. The players were given a rare day off yesterday to rest their bodies before Cheika announces his team today, with even the top leaders unsure if they will be picked.
Matt Giteau, who earned his 100th cap against the Scots last week and was named man of the match after the 35-34 thriller, said the competition for places was good for everyone.
“No-one knows who’s playing. The competition is tough, training is very game-like and as soon as you get that combativeness and a training environment like that you’re only going to get better,” he said.
“We’ve got so many great players in the backline but also in the forwards as well so everyone is pushing everyone for positions.
“Everyone wants to play and everyone seems to be playing well so it’s a tough job I think for the selectors.”
Blindside flanker Scott Tardy said everyone in the squad had shown they were capable of stepping up. Number eight David Pocock missed the match against Scotland because of injury and was replaced by Ben McCalman.