Wallabies v Fiji: 5 things we learned from Australia’s Rugby World Cup 2015 win in Cardiff

A MAJOR concern has emerged for the Wallabies from their World Cup opener but also a potentially tournament-defining strength featuring David Pocock.

Fiji's Netani Talei is tackled by Australia's David Pocock, right, and Michael Hooper during the Rugby World Cup Pool A match between Australia and Fiji at the Millennium Stadium, Cardiff, Wednesday, Sept. 23, 2015. (AP Photo/Matt Dunham)

Five things we learned from Australia’s win against Fiji in their first World Cup match.

1. David Pocock is Australia’s most important player. Without him, the Wallabies cannot win the World Cup.

His impact at the breakdown and in defence has always been obvious, but the added bonus of his nous in the rolling maul makes him one of the most dangerous weapons in the tournament.

Two tries early in the match set up the platform for victory. The rolling maul can be Australia’s defining point of difference. Pocock was head and shoulders above everyone else on the field and deservedly won man-of-the-match honours while sending shivers into the camps of England and Wales.

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AS IT HAPPENED: Relive how the match unfolded in our rolling live blog

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2. Lineouts are a worry. The Wallabies lost four of them, including three in quick succession in the second half when chief caller Rob Simmons left the field.

A combination of Stephen Moore’s throwing and confusion among the lifters has left Australia’s lineout exposed and open for targeting by the two big threats in their group.

As well as it worked in the first half to set up the rolling maul tries, the lineout failed to secure possession in the second half and both England and Wales will kick to the corners and pile on the pressure.

PODCAST: Mike Colman has his say on the Wallabies’ scrappy win over Fiji.

3. Goal-kicking is improving. Bernard Foley will have gained crucial confidence after nailing all but one of his six kicks.

Australia had just a 63 per cent success rate with their goal-kicking during the Rugby Championship but that has improved.

History suggests that to win the World Cup, teams need kickers who are nailing at least 85 per cent of their opportunities, and Foley is starting to show some solid signs that he’ll be up to winning big games with his boot.

Bernard Foley only missed one of his six kicks at goal in Cardiff.

4. Scrums are a mixed bag. Fiji managed to put strong pressure on Australia early in the match, even winning a penalty.

But the Wallabies turned it around and won a couple of their own penalties, with replacement front-rowers Tatafu Polota-Nau and Greg Holmes working well with Scott Sio.

But there’s no doubt England and Wales will be stronger foes in that department and will particularly target Australia’s feed with Moore showing signs of struggle when lifting his foot to hook.

David Pocock and Michael Hooper set the standard in Australia’s defensive work.

5. Defensive system is sound. Fiji threw plenty of missiles at Australia, who were able to disarm them.

One defensive misread allowed Ben Volavola to score Fiji’s sole try, but aside from that the Wallabies contained a dangerous gang of footballers.

Pocock, Michael Hooper and Scott Fardy were superb under pressure, particularly in their own quarter, and while Fiji’s towering players managed to get offloads away in wider channels, the communication and trust between defenders was rock solid.

Originally published as Wallabies v Fiji: 5 things we learned from Australia’s Rugby World Cup 2015 win in Cardiff