The Wallabies finally got their first win of 2023 against a plucky Georgia team on a hot Parisian evening. How did Australia rate?
1) Angus Bell – 7
So often the Wallabies’ first option as a ball carrier, Bell carried well and frequently found soft Georgian shoulders. Crucially, he played a key role in creating a dominant Australian scrum that will have set the tournament on notice.
2) Dave Porecki – 6
He didn’t do a great deal wrong during his 59 minute shift and was part of a strong front-row that gave the Wallabies a strong platform to play from.
3) Taniela Tupou- 8
It was his 50th game for the Wallabies and what a performance it was. He was everywhere, playing scrum half at the breakdown, scrummaging beautifully and shovelling an audacious offload to Ben Donaldson that came straight from an NBA playbook. He even worked as a referee’s assistant with an honest confession that he hadn’t scored in an attempted drive to the line. The Wallabies badly missed him during his long layoff from a ruptured Achilles and are a far better team with him it.
4) Richie Arnold- 6
Alongside his captain, he provides a powerful engine behind his front row in the scrum and put in a selfless performance. A reliable lineout option, although he will be disappointed with a rare knock-on deep in the Georgian 22 just before the end of the first half.
5) Will Skelton (c)- 7
A true captain’s knock. Skelton provided the Wallabies’ with a hugely physical presence at the breakdown and led by action and words. Notably shutting down a Georgian maul alone deep in the Australian half after the momentum threatened to shift in the second half. An inspirational focal point for his team and seems to enjoy the role.
Captain Will Skelton is tackled by Beka Gorgadze of GeorgiaCredit: Getty
6) Tom Hooper – 6
He combined well with his openside McReight and carried tirelessly for 48 metres and matched Georgia physically. Stayed on the field full 80 and did not stop competing.
7) Fraser McReight – 7
The temperature was well over 30 degrees in a sweltering and stuffy Stade de France with ice towels brought out for the players, but watching McReight it was difficult to believe. He competed all over the field and was tireless. He was the top Australian tackler with 11 successful tackles. A relentless competitor.
8) Rob Valentini – 6
A big physical presence that sets any opposition defence on high alert, Valentini carried well when called upon. A solid outing.
9) Tate McDermott – 5
It was sad to see McDermott leave the field after a nasty accidental knee to the head when trying to make a tackle after only 34 minutes. Set the high pace of the Wallabies’ backline with sniping runs before his premature departure. It is highly doubtful that he will feature in the next game against Fiji.
10) Carter Gordon – 6
He slowly grew into the game after a nervy start and looked infinitely more comfortable later in the second half. The inclusion of Donaldson will have helped him, taking away the stress of the kicking tee and allowing him to focus on what’s in front of him, which is exactly what he did, creating space for his outside backs to thrive in attack, particularly for Donaldson’s second try.
Carter Gordon celebrates with Ben Donaldson Credit: AP
11) Marika Koroibete – 7
Georgian props are not known for their passivity in defence, but they found their match in Koroibete who smashed through two of them. An insatiable appetite for the ball that is often rewarded by punching through the gain line. Equally fearless in defence.
12) Samu Kerevi – 5
A relatively quiet game for Kerevi who was returning to the side after a hand injury, didn’t look completely comfortable and departed after only 41 minutes.
13) Jordan Petaia – 7
He took his try beautifully with a spin that would have gained acclaim from the nearby Paris Opera Ballet. Also great vision to set up Nawaqanitawase with a deft offload for his first try.
Jordan Petaia passes the ball under pressureCredit: Getty
14) Mark Nawaqanitawase- 8
A wonderful performance. He has been a consistent stand out for the Wallabies and was dangerous with the ball in hand and aerially in attack. He also made a brilliant tackle in the corner when he came from nowhere to force the ball from flying Georgian wing Ataki Tabutsadze.
15) Ben Donaldson- 9
The critics were completely silenced by an outstanding performance. He was responsible for 25 points, scoring two tries and hitting six out of seven of his kicks from the tee. Normally seen in the 10 jersey, he will be difficult to shift from 15 now. The Wallabies were desperate for a reliable goalkicker, they have now got that in Donaldson and so much more. Deserved player of the match.
Bench
16) Matt Faessler- 4
Came on at 58 minutes and missed four lineout throws. Cannot be solely blamed for the sudden malfunction of the set piece and was relieved when he was given a more simple call to throw to the front.
17) Blake Schoupp- 4
Came on and almost instantly gave away a penalty at the breakdown.
18) Zane Nonggorr- 5
A quiet 12 minutes of work.
19) Rob Leota- 5
Replaced Richie Arnold and competed well for the 20 minutes he was on.
20) Langi Gleeson- 5
Didn’t get much of an opportunity to shine in a brief cameo.
21) Nic White-6
Called upon far earlier than expected, White slotted in smoothly and built on McDermott’s previous work at 9. His fundamentals were as ever, solid. His presence and experience brought needed calm at the start of a tricky second half.
22) Lalakai Foketi- 5
He will be seeking more opportunities to show what he can do in upcoming games against Wales and Fiji.
23) Suliasi Vunivalu- 6
When he got the opportunity he ran the ball well and carried 51 metres in the 23 minutes he was on the pitch. Alongside White, the brightest of the bench.
