HEAD-TO-HEAD
Aus 18 - Argentina 5 - Draw 1 (24 matches)
H2H Last five
Aus 4 - Arg 1
AUS Last five - WWWWW
Arg Last five - WWWWL
Teams
Australia
1. James Slipper
2. Stephen Moore (captain)
3. Sekope Kepu
4. Kane Douglas
5. Rob Simmons
6. Scott Fardy
7. Michael Hooper
8. David Pocock
9. Will Genia
10. Bernard Foley
11. Drew Mitchell
12. Matt Giteau
13. Tevita Kuridrani
14. Adam Ashley-Cooper
15. Israel Folau
Replacements
16. Tatafu Polota-Nau
17. Toby Smith
18. Greg Holmes
19. Dean Mumm
20. Ben McCalman
21. Nick Phipps
22. Matt Toomua
23. Kurtley Beale
Argentina
1. Marcos Ayerza
2. Agustin Creevy (captain)
3. Ramiro Herrera
4. Guido Petti
5. Tomas Lavanini
6. Pablo Matera
7. Juan Martin Fernandez Lobbe
8. Leonardo Senatore
9. Martin Landajo
10. Nicolas Sanchez
11. Juan Imhoff
12. Juan Martin Hernandez
13. Marcelo Bosch
14. Santiago Cordero
15. Joaquin Tuculet
Replacements:
16. Julian Montoya
17. Lucas Noguera
18. Juan Figallo
19. Matias Alemanno
20. Facundo Isa
21. Tomas Cubelli
22. Jeronimo De La Fuente
23. Lucas Gonzalez Amorosino
Key Match Ups
Stephen Moore v Agustin Creevy
They’re both captains and they’re both crucial to their fortunes. Argentinian hooker Creevy has overcome an injury concern this week to take his spot in the side. Moore has been one of the driving forces in the improved Wallabies scrum and is just as important in setting the tone of the team across the board. This will be the toughest test for the Wallabies scrum and Moore will play one of the most important roles in the game.
Michael Hooper/David Pocock vs Juan Martin Fernandez Lobbe/ Leonardo Senatore
The ‘Pooper’ returns this weekend and this combination looms as the Wallabies’ most critical. Australia missed Pocock’s prolific ability to win turn overs against Scotland, a skill he does better than almost anyone in the world. Hooper and Pocock have proven to be a damaging combination when they have played together and it’s no coincidence that their one full game together was the Wallabies’ win over England. Lobbe is one of Los Puma’s most damaging players with his pace and agility and the two back rows will have an enthralling battle.
Juan Imhoff v Drew Mitchell
Imhoff’s try against Ireland sealed a semi-final spot and went viral for his “Superman” dive. Drew Mitchell’s double against Scotland puts him one try behind Jonah Lomu and Bryan Habana in the all-time World Cup try-scoring stakes. His form since being called up in the absence of Rob Horne has demanded selection and his finishing skills have been vital for Australia. Expect something spectacular from one of these guys on Sunday.
Bernard Foley v Nicolas Sanchez
Australia need only cast its mind back a week to be reminded of the importance of kicking. It will be another key decider in Sunday’s match. Sanchez is the man the Wallabies love to hate after his tete-a-tete with Michael Hooper in August and the fly half will be critical to his team’s chances. Foley has proven himself under the most intense pressure this tournament and that’s all the Wallabies can ask from him on Sunday.
