AUSTRALIA

2019 WORLD CUP PLACING: QUARTER-FINALIST COACH: EDDIE JONES CO-CAPTAINS: JAMES SLIPPER, MICHAEL HOOPER

WEBSITE: www.rugby.com.au

WORLD RANKING: 8TH TAB ODDS: $11.00

Eddie Jones has previously been head coach of Australia, Japan and England at Rugby World Cups and was an advisor with the champion Springboks in 2007. Now the 63-year-old returns to take charge of the Wallabies in France in a move of great significance. Last year, the Wallabies suffered narrow losses to Ireland, France and the All Blacks, all games that they could have won with better luck or judgement, but they did record memorable wins over South Africa and England. The gap between wins and losses can be minuscule at this level.

The draw has given the Aussies the best possible news. They are in the weaker Pool C against Wales, Fiji, Georgia and Portugal and should get through. If they do, they will not face any of the top-four ranked teams until at least the semi-finals.

Expect to see Jones get the very best out of some dynamic ball runners like Rob Leota and Pete Samu. Add in the power of France-based locks Will Skelton and Rory Arnold and the Wallabies will field a strong pack.

Front row is one potential area of concern for the Wallabies as the depth of talent is not as great as the loose forwards and backline. Prop James Slipper, named co-captain alongside legendary flanker Michael Hooper, will likely share loosehead duties with Allan Alaalatoa. Tighthead prop Taniela Tupou is highly rated by Jones.

Halfback is a position of real strength with Nic White and Tate McDermott contesting the No 9 jersey. The return of the experienced Quade Cooper strengthens the first-five area, while world-class centre Samu Kerevi is back from long-term injury and has the try-scoring abilities of Marika Koroibete and Mark Nawaqanitawase outside him.