Australia v USA

By Loosehead

23rd September 09:30 GMT, ITV1

Tomorrow's only match is likely to be another one-sided contest as Australia bid to wipe away the memory of their shock defeat to Ireland. USA coach Eddie O'Sullivan appears to have already waved the white flag by opting to field an under-strength side and it appears that he is focussing more heavily on their last match against Italy, a much more winnable contest.

I got it badly wrong with Australia last weekend but, such was the dominance of the Ireland scrum that they could never create a platform to enable their backs to create opportunities.  I remain of the view that when Australia gain parity up front they are the best attacking side in the world and it would be a total embarrassment if they cannot dominate a weak Eagles pack.  The Australia side selected appears to be attack orientated throughout, even in the front row with the likes of James Slipper and Tatafu Polota Nau.  Opportunities have been handed to Higginbotham and Palu in the back row and Mitchell on the wing and I expect these players to really perform.

I expect Australia to come out all guns blazing in response to their unexpected defeat last weekend and put USA to the sword.

Selection – Australia -60 to beat USA – 4 points at 2 Bet 365 or William Hill

Loosehead