Australia's innate professionalism demanded that they select a full strength Test team for tomorrow's opening World Cup clash with Romania at Ravenhill (7.0). Coach Rod Macqueen spoke of the need to start the tournament in "the right manner" and with this goal in mind the Anti-podeans made just one change from the side that thrashed New Zealand in the last Tri-Nations game.
The introduction of John Eales - he will captain the team - for his first Test match since a shoulder operation in January is a perfect fillip and will guarantee the Aussies both a leader and a player of immense quality.
The Romanians' preparations have been plagued by the intransigence of several French clubs in releasing players and as a result coach Mircea Paraschiv has enjoyed a fractured build-up in terms of personnel. The Eastern Europeans are a physically powerful side up front but lack the refinement to seriously trouble the Australians.
The Australian pack, in comparison, has Richard Harry and the experienced Phil Kearns returning, while number eight Toutai Kefu is emerging as a world class talent. Although the Australian pack is not as highly regarded as New Zealand's or England's, they should be too strong for the Romanians tomorrow.
When Australia establish a platform in terms of possession and territory they possess the quality behind the scrum to maximise that advantage. Out-half in the absence of Stephen Larkham was a problem, but Rod Kafer's performance in the last game against the All Blacks suggests that is no longer the case.
Tim Horan, Daniel Herbert, Jason Little and Ben Tune boast the physique and the skill to shred the Romanian defence, while any Romanian transgressions will be punished by the generally unerring boot of full back Matt Burke. If the Australians can get into their stride quickly then this match could be over by half-time.
Australia: M Burke; B Tune, D Herbert, T Horan, J Little; R Kafer, G Gregan; R Harry, P Kearns, A Blades, J Eales (capt), D Giffin, M Cockbain, T Kefu, D Wilson. Replacements: J Roff, N Grey, C Whitaker, T Strauss, O Finegan, P Noriega, J Paul.
Romania: M Vorianu; C Sauan, G Brezolanu, R Gontineac (capt), G Solomie; R Vusec, P Mitu; L Rotau, P Balan, C Stan, O Slusarluc, T Brinza, C Draguceanu, E Septar, A Petrache.
