Rugby World Cup 2019: Wallabies coach Michael Cheika hails ‘perfect’ preparation

The Wallabies have big ambitions in this World Cup, and Michael Cheika says their build up has been ‘going really well’, but the coach isn’t looking beyond the opening match against Fiji.

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Coach Michael Cheika has shied away from grandiose predictions for the Wallabies by stressing that Fiji will be treated as their first World Cup “grand final.”

Cheika was so laidback on Saturday he could have been on a banana chair by the pool rather than delivering his first official tournament media conference in Japan.

You can only take it as a hint that Cheika must feel he has refined the right fitness, patterns of play and combinations to open well against the dangerous Fijians in Sapporo on Saturday,

“Things have been going really well, perfect actually (with) no distractions,” Cheika said at the team’s base in Odawara.

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Michael Cheika has cut a relaxed figure at the Wallabies training camp.

“We’ve been building on the footy we’re brought to the year so far so we’re ready to do whatever it takes when the times comes.

“What happens on the field is where the talking is done.

“We get our chance next Saturday.”

Only uncapped colt Jordan Petaia (hamstring) will be unavailable for selection while top lock Adam Coleman may be given the game off because he is only now back to full contact training after a thumb injury.

Lock Rory Arnold (hand) is right to go while centre Tevita Kuridrani (hamstring) has also been repaired.

Lock Rory Arnold has overcome a hand injury and is okay to play. Picture: Getty Images

Cheika wasn’t interested in future-gazing to the crunch Pool D clash against Wales in Tokyo on September 29 which will likely dictate a favourable or perilous path into the quarter-finals.

“No one thinks I’m telling the truth but the only game I’m looking at is Fiji,” Cheika said.

“All the knockout tournaments I’ve been involved with European Cups and the 2015 World Cup, you only look at what’s in front of you, that’s the grand final.”

Skipper Michael Hooper said his players were “itching to start” and forecast the tournament setting would draw the best from fit-again forward David Pocock.

“David didn’t look like he’d missed a trick,” Hooper said of Pocock’s strong comeback hour against Samoa when he tested his calf.

Flanker David Pocock signs autographs for fans in Japan. Picture: Getty Images

“He’s come off long breaks before and done outstanding because he keeps himself in such outstanding condition and I only expect him to go up (from here).

“These are the competitions where he does so well so I’m looking forward to seeing what he can put out there.”

Hooper wouldn’t be drawn on the benefits of playing two openside flankers together by reuniting him with Pocock in a starting backrow.

Prop Taniela Tupou at training. Picture: Getty Images

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“There’s benefits whatever way the selectors decide to go with the backrow,” Hooper said.

“Dave and I have played a lot and I think we can still improve together.

“Hopefully we’ll have some games to do that.”

Having a near fully fit squad jockeying for chances was positive chemistry, Cheika said.

“There’s a lot of competition for places and that’s going to elevate the play of every player because you can see that by what each guy is bringing outside of the game,” Cheika said.

“Everyone wants to be a part of this.”