Sick for several months, the Wallabies were enticing and sharp at the Stade de France against the Georgians who were quickly overwhelmed.
Eddie Jones, first! Returning to the head of the selection at the start of the year after a first stint (2001-2005), the Australian coach had yet to win any of his first five matches. Worse than that, Australia even had a sad record of two victories in thirteen matches. Series now reversed. The Wallabies easily won against the Lelos (35-15). And with manner.
From the start, Eddie Jones’ men were sharp. The young center Jordan Petaia (23 years old) flattens a few seconds after kick-off (2nd) to perfectly conclude a beautiful collective movement. No. 13 for the first try of the match, then No. 14 a few minutes later. Mark Nawaqanitawase already doubled the lead after nine minutes of play. A nightmare for the commentators, the Australian winger also became that of the Georgians during the match. 112 meters gained, intractable under high balls and five defenders beaten, match record. A full match for the 23-year-old. At the Stade de France, it was the Australian three-quarters who showed their advantage.
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The public familiar with the Top 14 and the Champions Cup had their eyes fixed on the second row, made up of two European champions. But leaders Richie Arnold and Will Skelton were too discreet. “Only” seven successful tackles and two missed for the Rochelais, six successful and one missed for the Toulousain. Rare in defense, the double reigning European champion was just as rare in attack: 14 meters gained with the ball in hand and only one defender beaten. After the match, Eddie Jones wanted to defend his captain. “It was a good test of his leadership, a real credit to Will in the way he leads the team.»
The Donaldson revelation
If the five players behind were at the level, one of them particularly broke the screen. For his fifth selection, and his first start at the back, Ben Donaldson achieved almost everything. Impeccable against the poles and in his long game (15 points, 6/7 on goal), the No. 15 of the Aussies was not left out in the running game. 120 meters run with ball in hand, three defenders beaten and above all two tries. By planting twice (54th, 69th), the Waratahs player allowed his team to take the offensive bonus. 25 points in total and logically elected man of the match.
«Ben was amazing, a loué Will Skelton. For a young guy (24 years old, Editor’s note), he showed a lot of personality by playing at full-back even though he had never held this position in an international match.” Eddie Jones, who had preferred this training fly-half to the experienced Andrew Kellaway (27 years old and installed in the position for two years), was satisfied with his choice. “His long kicking game was valuable. We knew that Georgia played a lot on the feet, a bit like France.»
A hinge not level
The half-backs were not unworthy but stood out compared to their attacking counterparts. Established in the scrum, the young Tate McDermott (24 years old) started ideally and led the Australian game perfectly but hit in the head, he gave up his place half an hour into the game (34th) to Nic White. The usual holder of the position (33 years and more than 60 caps) has never been able to get on the level of his teammates. Often late or too slow. Next to him, Carter Gordon was better. Overwhelmed against the French during the last preparation match, the opening half, who had left the game to Ben Donaldson, was more liberated. He is even on the last pass on the fourth Australian try.
A slight underperformance from the hinge but Eddie Jones prefers to retain the positive. “After a first group match, what we want is five points. And I think we have five points, smiled the Australian coach, who was not able to provide any news regarding his scrum half. We will go tomorrow (this Sunday) to Bordeaux and we will drink a good glass of red wine. The World Cup is about taking one step after another. We have a young team, it’s a great learning experience for them. Each time, they will get a little better. We will see the improvements as the tournament progresses. We will always be confident about our future.»
After a wine getaway in Bordeaux, Eddie Jones and his troops will go to Saint-Étienne to challenge Fiji, another outsider in Pool C, next Sunday.
