With four weeks to go until the Rugby World Cup kicks off, the pressure is starting to ratchet up. Not in terms of warm-up results per se, but in how teams are looking to attack. This tournament is unlikely to be won by sides simply content to sit back and wait for opponents to make mistakes. On firm, dry pitches a cutting edge of some description, from first phase as well as turnover ball, is going to be essential.
In Australia Eddie Jones has clearly decided his Wallabies need further sharpening. Having dropped the experienced Quade Cooper and Michael Hooper, he has instead gone for youthful exuberance. Too little too late? Or a psychological masterstroke? Either way it is a million miles removed from the era when the World Cup‑winning Australia backline of Nick Farr-Jones, Michael Lynagh, Tim Horan, Jason Little, David Campese et al barely altered from one year to the next.
