Australia’s World Cup campaign has suffered a major setback after a disappointing 70-57 loss to France in a forgettable tournament opener.
The Opals were desperate to ring in a bold new era on home soil, but they couldn’t contain a potent French side led by star Seattle Storm forward Gabby Williams.
Australia failed to deny Williams, who dominated proceedings with her athleticism to finish with a game-high 23 points.
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Opals guard Bec Allen did her best to keep Australia in the game, dropping a team-high 16 points.
In the end, though, Australia lacked France’s firepower.
The Opals must now win at least three of their final four games against Mali, Serbia, Canada and Japan to progress to the quarterfinals.
It won’t be an easy task, especially with formidable tests versus Canada and Japan.
JACKSON BELONGS BUT DIDN’T DOMINATE
It’s no coincidence that Jackson looked comfortable without having a major impact in her first international for the Opals since 2013.
Spies tell me Australia’s greatest basketballer was already training for a comeback last May, some 500 days out from the World Cup.
Jackson had also given up alcohol, so she was fully committed to donning the green and gold again.
This discipline and dedication showed in Lauren’s performance against France.
Sure, she isn’t the Jackson of old and she only scored three points and added one rebound in her 10 minutes on the floor, but she can still make an impact, even at 41.
The Aussie great entered the game with five minutes remaining in the first quarter.
She missed her opening three-point attempt, but it didn’t bother her.
Jackson quickly moved on to make a crucial steal.
This gave her the confidence to return to the three-point line and drain a dagger, bringing the strong crowd at the Sydney SuperDome to their feet.
Watch for Jackson to improve as the tournament progresses.
She remained positive post-game, declaring: “It’s a long tournament and we can rebound.”
ALLEN EXCELS, BUT NEEDS MORE HELP
The Opals looked sluggish in offence at stages, but Allen provided the Australians with much needed stability.
The gun guard went after the game in the first half with aggressive shot making.
The New York Liberty WNBA star had 11 first half points to keep the Opals in the contest.
France led by one point at quarter-time and halftime, but the Australians refused to go away.
Allen continued to dominate in the second half, but she needs more help on the offensive end.
WILLIAMS PUTS FEAR THROUGH OPALS
France was understrength, but it didn’t matter as Williams put on a show.
The French fielded a youthful line up minus big names – guards Marine Johannes (thigh), Bria Hartley and centre Sandrine Gruda.
Johannes, rated France’s best player, was particularly a loss for France.
There were concerns that the French could struggle without their star trio, but Williams was brilliant.
The Seattle Storm WNBA star didn’t play in France’s final warm-up loss to Australia earlier in the week.
Opals captain Tess Madgen was wary of Williams pre-game.
“Gabby didn’t play in our warm-up game, so we’ll have to adjust to her athleticism,” Madgen said pre-game.
The Opals skipper was on the money as Williams produced a best on court performance for the French.
Australia must quickly regroup ahead of Friday’s must-win game against Mali from 8.30pm (AEST).
