Opta: Faletau to be key man against Wallabies

As Wales's Rugby World Cup campaign winds down with Friday's third place play-off match against Australia, Opta suggest Toby Faletau will again come to the fore.

Both of these sides will be looking to bounce back quickly from their semi-final disappointments and finish the tournament on a high by securing a third place finish.

If Wales need inspiration for this match they will only have to look at the last time the RWC was held in New Zealand (1987) when they beat Australia in the third place play-off match having lost out to New Zealand in the semi-finals.

Wales have undoubtedly been the fans favourite in New Zealand and despite a heart-breaking defeat to the French last weekend, the outlook for Welsh rugby is definitely positive.

Man of the match in that semi-final defeat, Toby Faletau, has been one of the standout players in this tournament, with both his defence and work rate in attack going unrivalled by any other player in the competition.

He has made both more carries and tackles than any other player and he will once again be a key figure for Warren Gatland’s men going into this Bronze Final.

2011 RWC – Toby Faletau

Neither side has excelled in the set piece at this World Cup, with Australia suffering in both the lineout and scrum. However their defences and threat with the ball in hand have both caught the eye and this fixture promises an open and entertaining 80 minutes of action.

2011 Rugby World Cup

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