Wallabies beat Georgia for Jones’ first win
The Wallabies have banked their first win under Eddie Jones, opening their Rugby World Cup campaign in France with a 35-15 victory over Georgia.
The Australians set up the victory with an impressive first half, and although they fell away through the middle, did enough to secure the much-needed win at the Stade de France on Saturday (Sunday AEST).
Fullback Ben Donaldson justified Jones’ bold selection, kicking 15 points and scoring two tries for a personal tally of 25 points to earn the player of the match award as the coach celebrated the first win of his second stint with the Wallabies following five straight defeats.
“We had a game plan – we’ve been building for a long time now and the boys executed really well for the full 80 minutes,” Donaldson said.
“In the end it made me look half-decent so I put that on all the boys.
“Kicking was part of our plan. For me, it was just providing a loud voice and a big boot at the back there. I think we pinned them down at the end and came away with some points.”
The Wallabies forwards, led by Angus Bell and Taniela Tupou, outplayed the physical Georgian pack, allowing the likes of star winger Mark Nawaqanitawase and Donaldson to shine.
In stifling heat in Paris, with the temperature still in the mid-30s for the 6pm kick-off, the Wallabies got off to a blistering start with centre Jordan Petaia crossing in the second minute.
With a kick by Nawaqanitawase giving Australia ideal field position, Tate McDermott fired a quick ball on to Petaia who burst through the defence to score.
Following a penalty strike by Georgia’s Luka Matkava, the Wallabies were in again at nine minutes after a 30-metre break by Marika Koroibete.
Petaia combined again with Nawaqanitawase and the winger took his
Read more on afr.com
