A heavyweight Australia will take on a heavyweight Wales in a clash that is likely to be an uncomplicated type of match
There is also a tactical shift. Donaldson started the tournament playing at full-back and excelled there in the kicking game. His ability under the high ball must also be a consideration against a Wales team that will kick more than almost any other team in this World Cup – except Australia.
Behind them, they have reliable boots in Donaldson at 10 and Tate McDermott at scrum-half, whose running game was never in question but whose improvement on his kicking was heavily praised by previous head coach Dave Rennie. In Gatland’s own words, “Warrenball” is about “getting across the gainline, trying to get front-foot ball and playing to space if that is possible”. To do that, you need players across the pitch who can make strong carries through defenders, as well as a scrum-half who can set a high tempo to use the space that creates.
He added: “[I’ve] come to realise what to expect from an Eddie team. With regards to the way they’re going to play on Sunday, we’ve prepared for a couple of scenarios. They tend to attack the short-side, there’ll be a lot of kicking and they’ll be fairly direct.”
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