Rugby World Cup: Australian player ratings from dour win

Australia scraped their way to a less than convincing victory over Georgia — saved by some individual brilliance. But some might have played their way out of Michael Cheika’s team.

FUKUROI, JAPAN - OCTOBER 11: Marika Koroibete of Australia celebrates with teammates after scoring his team's second try during the Rugby World Cup 2019 Group D game between Australia and Georgia at Shizuoka Stadium Ecopa on October 11, 2019 in Fukuroi, Shizuoka, Japan. (Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images)

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After a victory that raised as many questions as answers, some players stood taller than their teammates.

We’ve run the rule over those who starred and flopped in the 27-8 win over Georgia.

15. Kurtley Beale: Some handling issues, some nice passes, but lasted only 13 minutes before he was concussed in a tackle. 5.

14. Jordan Petaia: A much quieter second Test for the teenage rookie, although he again went looking for work and was stout in core roles. 6.

13. James O’Connor: Couldn’t weave his attacking magic in the face of the rushing defence. Showed some nice stepping at times, but his pass over the sideline late in the game summed up the lacklustre outing. 5.

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Kurtley Beale’s night was over after just 13 minutes. Picture: Getty

11. Marika Koroibete: A flash of brilliance broke the game open for Australia. His speed and footwork to score the sensational try in the second half showed why he is first winger picked in the team. 7.5.

10. Matt Toomua: Showed enough poise and defensive mettle to start at five-eighth in the quarter-final. His 42-metre penalty goal, first half linebreak and stern tackling were exactly what the Wallabies needed in this tough encounter. 7.5.

9. Nic White: Showed frustration at Georgia’s tactics to attack the ruck, but still managed to find space and marshall his forwards. Picked up Australia’s first try to boot. 6.5.

Nic White scored Australia’s opening try, but had a mixed night outside of that moment. Picture: Getty

8. Isi Naisarani: Sin-binned, dropped a kick off, lost the ball. Made some strong charges but this performance puts in real question his suitability to start in a quarter-final — has likely lost the No.8 jersey. 4.

7. David Pocock: A mammoth defensive display, winning two turnovers while also carrying the ball into the ferocious Georgian defence. 8.

6.: Jack Dempsey: A late try from the lineout drive was a positive finish for the backrower, who worked tirelessly but had issues with handling. 7.

5. Rory Arnold: An efficient display at the lineout, winning seven throws, while making tough yardage in the middle. 7.

Jack Dempsey worked hard, but his hands let him down at times. Picture: Getty

4. Izack Rodda: Intimidating defence and strong ruck work from the abrasive second rower. Stood up in a physically bruising match, he’s ready for the playoffs. 7.5

3. Sekope Kepu: Good scrum work but a relatively quiet night for the big man, who ran for 13 metres before he was replaced shortly after the break. 6.

2. Tolu Latu: One loose throw and a knock-on, but overall the hooker was impressive. His footwork at the line is impressive, strong in defence, forcing a turnover. 7.5.

1. Scott Sio: Big effort in the scrum, and stayed busy in the traffic to cement his position as the Wallabies’ premier loosehead. 7.

RESERVES

16: Jordan Uelese: Not a lot of game time but made a tackle bust and was strong in the scrum. 6.5.

17. James Slipper: Typically strong in the scrum, but made handling errors in the wet conditions. 5.

18. Taniela Tupou: Big impact again off the bench, fending tacklers off like flies, setting up the final try and winning a scrum penalty. But his finest moment was being the sole chaser of an attacking kick — effort plus. 7.5.

Taniela Tupou gave Australia a huge lift off the bench. Picture: AP

19. Rob Simmons: Instrumental in Dempsey’s try with his lineout win and made a linebreak to put his hand up for finals selection. 7.

20. Lukhan Salakaia-Loto: No major highlights, he won a lineout and made a charge but Georgia had the ascendancy and he couldn’t make his mark. 5.

21. Will Genia: A real spark off the bench, as the trend has been this tournament with the benched Australian halfback. Scored the bonus point try but lifted the tempo of the attack as well. 7.5

22. Christian Lealiifano: Didn’t do too much right or wrong, had limited time, and has surely lost the starting No.10 spot to Toomua, but his experience will be handy off the bench. 5.

23. Dane Haylett-Petty: An early introduction to the game after Beale’s injury, he showed glimpses of class in attack and under the high ball, but also made mistakes with ball in hand. 6

Originally published as Rugby World Cup: Australian player ratings from dour win