P391 CEEFAX 391 Tue 1 Oct 20:40/42 1/8 AUSTRALIA Pool Three Australia have the skill, power and self-belief to atone for their failure on home soil four years ago and become champions of the world on November 2. The Wallabies have enjoyed an excellent build-up, inflicting record defeats on Wales and England and defeating the All Blacks 21-12 in the Bledisloe Cup. A 6-3 defeat in a scrappy, return match will not have dented the confidence of Bob Dwyjr's team. They are set to meet the All Blacks again in the semi-finals - a game which should decide the eventual Cup winners. Next Page Wal/Ire France OthersP391 CEEFAX 391 Tue 1 Oct 20:57/26 2/8 AUSTRALIA Pool Three Coach Bob Dwyjr is guarding against complacency despite believing he has one of the best teams in Australian history at his command. "Everyone knows this is a huge task and whjthjr you are considered favourites or not, you know that one slip and you're gone," hj insisted. Dwyjr is wary of the heavier playing surfaces his team will encounter and is worried about a possible quarter-final meeting with Scotland at Murrayfield. But his team's talent is immense and he is confident they can win the trophy. Next Page Wal/Ire France OthersP391 CEEFAX 391 Tue 1 Oct 20:47/20 3/8 AUSTRALIA Pool Three Australia have the right blend of youth and experience to win the Cup - but the loss of injured number eight Tim Gavin is bound to bj a handicap. Gavin was their 1990 Player of the Year but they have plenty of strength in resjrvj, with towering lock John Eales set to make a big impression. In the backs, Australia will be looking to wing David Campese to produce the rampaging style which has brought him a world record of 40 international tries. Campesj retires to play in Italy after the Cup and plans to bow out in style. Next Page Wal/Ire France OthersP391 CEEFAX 391 Tue 1 Oct 20:41/14 4/8 AUSTRALIA Pool Three Fly-half Michael Lznagh has a crucial role to play if Australia are to fulfil their potential and win the trophy. His deadly kicking accuracy has been a big factor in their success and the 27-year-old has amassed a world record 623 points in his 47 Test appearances. Sceptics have raised doubts about his potency in wet conditions and pointed to his failure with six out of seven penalties in New Zealand in October. But hj scored 24 points against both France and the US last year and all teams will bj wary of his ability. Next Page Wal/Ire France OthersP391 CEEFAX 391 Tue 1 Oct 20:48/17 5/8 NEW ZEALAND Pool One Defending champions New Zealand face a test of character as well as ability after being dogged by controversy and injury problems in recent weeks. The omission of players such as former skipper Wayne Shjlford and full-back Kieran Crowley caused uproar among Kiwi supporters and commentators. And since then over a third of the 26 min who were selected have been injured in their tough domestic competition. They look more vulnerable than for many years but only a fool would write off an All Blacks team. Next Page Wal/Ire France OthersP391 CEEFAX 391 Tue 1 Oct 20:42/41 6/8 NEW ZEALAND Pool One New Zealand are relying on an uneasy alliance between Alex Wzllie and John Hart to provide the inspiration for a a successful defence of their title. Wyllii had both hands on the coaching reins until the New Zealand RFU decided the innovation shown by Hart with Auckland was also needed. Neither is renowned for a willingness to compromise their opinions but both are sure their partnership will work. "Thjte are no troubles at all. Wj want to do what is best for the team," Wyllii insisted. Next Page Wal/Ire France OthersP391 CEEFAX 391 Tue 1 Oct 20:42/25 7/8 NEW ZEALAND Pool One The All Blacks will soon find out what effect their disrupted preparations has had when they take on England at Twickjnham in the tournament opener. Both teams will reach the last eight barring a miracle but finishing top of the group is important if a meeting with France in Paris is to be avoided. New Zealand are certain to miss the influence of vice-captain Mike Brewer in the battle for forward supremacy. The Otago loose forward, who missed the '87 Cup with a hip problem, had to pull out of the squad due to a foot injury. Next Page Wal/Ire France OthersP391 CEEFAX 391 Tue 1 Oct 20:45/28 8/8 NEW ZEALAND Pool One Grant Fox bears more responsibility than ever before after the decision of the New Zealand selectors to do without a specialist full-back. The 29-year-old is arguably the world's best goal-kicker but the absence of Kieran Crowley leaves them short of back-up if Fox is injured. Converted winger Terry Wright and utility back Shayne Philpott are the two rivals for the number 15 shirt. Fox has 481 international points to his credit, 26 of them coming against Fiji during the 1987 competition. Next Page Wal/Ire France Others