Aussies fully focused

Australia's star fly-half Quade Cooper has admitted his side are fully focused on not underestimating any opponent at this tournament, ahead of the Aussies' final Pool C match against Russia. Ireland stunned Australia in the second game of the group campaign, claiming a famous 15-6 victory at Eden Park. The Tri-Nations champions will now likely have to face defending champions South Africa in their quarter-final clash, but will have to see off the ever-improving Russian side this weekend.

Cooper has claimed the defeat to Ireland was a massive wake-up call for the Aussies, showing just what World Cups are capable of doing to the big teams should they lose focus at any time. Ireland deserved their victory on that occasion but Cooper insists lessons have been learned from that defeat, standing them in good stead for the latter stages. Those looking at the rugby world cup betting should remember this.

"The best thing we got out of it was that you have to prepare properly for each game - that's how serious the World Cup is," he said.

"It does help the mood of the team in that you don't get complacent and you realise there might have been areas in our game that we'd brushed over."

"The Irish showed us that you can't take any game lightly - not that we took them lightly - and you have to give respect to all the teams."

After beating South Africa twice in the recent Tri-Nations campaign, Australia will be confident of beating the Springboks should the two meet in the quarter-finals. Neither team has managed to find their best form so far in this tournament, but the defending champions won't give up their title easily. A strong performance against Russia will be important for the Aussies as they look to continue the momentum they've picked up since the Ireland defeat. The rugby union betting odds show they should have no problem sealing a convincing win.

While the Russians have done themselves proud in their debut appearance in the World Cup, anything less than a comprehensive Australia victory would be a major surprise. The physical Russians won't give their opponents an easy ride though and Australia will need to be up for a battle.