Australia logically won (enhanced victory) 35-15 this Saturday at the Stade de France but Australia’s entry into the World Cup was not stunning.
Facing the Georgians who had been disappointing for a long time, before showing themselves to be eye-catching and sending shivers through the Stade de France, the Australians scored 4 tries, two per half (Pelaia 2nd, Nawaqanitawase 9th and Donaldson 57th, 70th).
The Wallabies made the match easy with two early tries in the first ten minutes. In front by 18 points at the break (21-3) thanks to the efficiency of scorer Ben Donaldson (15 points on foot), Eddie Jones’ men largely dominated the debates before the Georgians woke up late. Very undisciplined, the latter freed themselves offensively as the minutes passed to offer some beautiful sequences with the ball in hand in the second act. Ivanishvili (48th) and Zamtaradze (80th) flattened to reduce a gap that was ultimately logical.
The only downside on the Australian side, the exit of their scrum half Tate McDermott after a double shock to the head, first the knee of the third line of Lelos Beka Gorgadze then that of his own hooker Dave Porecki (35th).
If everything has not been perfect, far from it, coach Eddie Jones will undoubtedly be satisfied with this improved success. The former XV de la Rose technician wins his first victory since returning to the helm in January, after five consecutive defeats. Australia top Group C with 5 points and will challenge Fiji next Sunday.
