Rugby World Cup: Australia shrug off failure to keep pace with Pool A rivals

Australia coach Michael Cheika was unperturbed by his side’s failure to seize a bonus point after they made stuttering start to their Rugby World Cup campaign against Fiji at the Millennium Stadium yesterday.

 

The Wallabies stormed into the ascendency courtesy of two first-half tries from No8 David Pocock, while prop Sekope Kepu also touched down in the second period. Fiji fought back through No10 Ben Volavola before a Bernard Foley penalty eased any nerves. Their inability to score a fourth try left Australia a point behind fellow big-hitters Wales and England in Pool A, which has been dubbed the Group of Death.

 

“We haven’t thought about the bonus point. It’s not Super Rugby, it’s the World Cup,” said Cheika. “I had to ask the question if they had the bonus point here because I don’t think they have it in the northern hemisphere.”

 

Skipper Stephen Moore reiterated Cheika’s disdain towards the concept of the bonus points being pivotal to Australia’s chances of progressing to the last eight.

 

“Our coach Michael Cheika hasn’t spoken to us about the bonus point, Test footy is about winning,” he said. “We’re happy but there’s plenty to work on.”