‘Will struggle to keep starting jersey’: Wallabies player ratings after Fiji scare
The Wallabies overcome a slow start to get their Rugby World Cup campaign off to a winning start. Check out how all the players rated in their win over Fiji.
World Cup
Don't miss out on the headlines from World Cup. Followed categories will be added to My News.
All of the Wallabies players rated after storming home late to beat Fiji in Rugby World Cup opener.
15. Kurtley Beale: Nervous start, threw some loose passes and failed to impose himself into the contest. 5
14. Reece Hodge: Two defensive errors early, but was outstanding thereafter. Big tackles on the line, superb running lines and a deserved try. 8
13. James O’Connor: A smart player who has learned not to overplay his hand. Struggled in defence early but regained composure, firing some clever passes when needed. 7
12. Samu Kerevi: Found his grunt and groove midway through the first half, then dominated the second with his big runs, crossing for the try that put the game to bed. 8
11. Marika Koroibete: Huge running metres in the second half and a sensational try at the end. The former NRL star is one of the most exciting attacking players at the World Cup. 8
Stream the Rugby World Cup 2019 on KAYO SPORTS. Every match Live & On-Demand on your TV, computer, mobile or tablet. Get your 14 day free trial >
10. Christian Lealiifano: Rattled by a number of big tackles and struggled to control the game as expected. He will be under pressure to retain the starting jersey next match. 4
9. Nic White: Cut a frustrated figure at times as Fiji crashed the breakdown battle. A few good moments off the ruck base but far quieter than desired. 5
8. Isi Naisarani: Some big charges at the end of the first half, but overall outshone by the rival loose forwards from his country of birth. 5
7. Michael Hooper: Incredibly busy, rallied his troops when the game was on the line, scored a determined try and ran all day. 8
6. David Pocock: A workhorse effort without producing anything spectacular. Wasn’t the breakdown pest many predicted as the Fijians piled pressure at the ruck, but was heavily involved in attack. 7
5. Rory Arnold: A fine display of brute power and set-piece smarts, Arnold is a rock in the tight five. His lineout jumping, clean-outs and carries were crucial to victory. 8
4. Izack Rodda: Quieter than usual, involved in the tight stuff but wasn’t imposing in the face of a physical onslaught. 5
3. Allan Alaalatoa: Big scrum effort as Wallabies announced themselves as a genuine set-piece force. Impressive with his running game too. 8
2. Tolu Latu: Two tries, strong carries and generally consistent lineout throwing. Quite startling just how quickly he has emerged as Australia’s best hooker. 8
1. Scott Sio: Played a major role in Australia’s scrum dominance and made strong charges into the Fijian defence. Powerful game. 8
16. Jordan Uelese: The surprise pick in the team ahead of Folau Fainga’a, but looked at home when he entered the fray with urgent carries. 6
17. James Slipper: Showed desperation to pounce on a loose lineout ball at the end of the game, while scrummaging was solid. 7
18. Sekope Kepu: Kept Australia’s scrum going forward and showed why his experience will be so valuable late in games during the tournament. 7
19. Adam Coleman: Didn’t have the opportunity to make his mark like he has in previous Tests, but will get more time on the pitch in the coming fixtures. 5
20. Lukhan Salakaia-Loto: Brought spark into the forward play and made important metres as Fiji faded in the final quarter. A great sign of how he can finish games. 7
21: Will Genia: Turned the trajectory of the game, firstly with his clever box-kicking, then quick passing and direction of his teammates in attack. Excellent performance. 8
22. Matt Toomua: Showed more assuredness in attack than Lealiifano and is a sound defensive weapon, hugely important to Australia’s chances. 7
23. Dane Haylett-Petty: A lovely pass to set up Koroibete’s try and made a couple of dangerous runs late. 6
Originally published as ‘Will struggle to keep starting jersey’: Wallabies player ratings after Fiji scare