Australia bid to put Ireland loss behind them

Australia bid to get their World Cup campaign back on course this morning, but anticipate fierce resistance from the United States in the Pool C encounter in Wellington.

The Wallabies are still reeling from last week’s 15-6 loss to Ireland in Auckland and will not underestimate the USA in the New Zealand capital’s Wellington Regional Stadium.

Australia prop Ben Alexander today said: “We’re expecting the same physicality and ferocity that they played Russia and Ireland with.

“They gave Ireland a good test in the wet. We’re expecting a big game from them.”

Australia have made seven changes, five of which come in the pack.

James Slipper has been called up to start at loosehead prop, Rob Simmons and Nathan Sharpe at second row, Ben McCalman at flanker and Wycliff Palu at number eight.

Drew Mitchell replaces James O’Connor on the wing, with Rob Horne in for Pat McCabe at inside centre.

The omission of captain James Horwill means scrum-half Will Genia is to lead the side for the first time, becoming the 78th Wallabies skipper.

There is still no place for injured flanker David Pocock, while Scott Higginbotham was also not considered due to injury.

The USA lost 22-10 to Ireland before bouncing back to beat Russia 13-6.

Head coach Eddie O’Sullivan has named a side showing 14 changes from the win over Russia to take on the Wallabies, with Australia-born scrum-half Tim Usasz given the captaincy.

Irishman O’Sullivan expects a response following Australia’s loss to his compatriots.

The USA boss said: “I think any team that comes off a defeat, the next time out they always want to make a statement.

“I have no doubt that will be the intent of Australia against us: to show that they are back on track.”