Rugby World Cup 2023: Wallabies begin tournament in style with 35-15 win against Georgia

The old master has done it again. Already gambling heavily on youth, Eddie Jones doubled down as the Wallabies kicked off their World Cup campaign – and he came out a winner.

Ben Donaldson helped give the Wallabies the perfect start to the World Cup. Picture: AFP Images

The old master Eddie Jones has pulled another rabbit out of his hat.

Already gambling heavily on youth, Jones’ selection of Ben Donaldson as the Wallabies new fullback and goalkicker already looks like a masterstroke.

It has taken just under 300 days, but the Wallabies are finally back in the winner’s circle – and may have also unlocked the key to two of their biggest problem areas.

Snapping a five-game losing streak since Jones returned as coach, Australia kicked off their World Cup campaign with a comfortable 35-15 win over Georgia in France on Sunday morning.

“When you’ve got a young team, haven’t been doing well and getting criticised, you can go into your shell a little bit,” Jones said.

“But I thought they came out in the first half and put a conclusive performance together.”

It wasn’t a vintage performance but it didn’t need to be.

Playing to a conservative game plan, the Wallabies did more than enough to see off their Eastern European rivals without giving away their secrets for the bigger games ahead.

To win the World Cup, the Wallabies know they will have to play a lot better against much stronger opposition so this first match was about getting the win and limiting the damage.

Ben Donaldson made a huge impact for the Wallabies as the starting fullback and goalkicker. Picture: AFP Images

The Wallabies did tick a lot of important boxes but are almost certain to be without halfback Tate McDermott for their next game against Fiji.

The Australian vice-captain, McDermott left the field before half time after copping a knee to head and under HIA protocols, he’s likely to be given a mandatory 12-day stand down.

The Wallabies picked up a bonus point for scoring four tries – two in each half – and a surprise selection by Jones paid off in spades.

“Eddie asked us at the start of the week to have a fast start. We prepared really well for this game and I’m happy with the result,” the Wallabies newly appointed captain Will Skelton said.

“It’s very different. I’m growing into the role. Having the backing of Eddie and the staff to lead this young group of men is really special. Hopefully this is just the start and we can roll on and get some momentum.”

The Wallabies have struggled for years to find a permanent replacement for Israel Folau but 24-year-old Donaldson was given his chance, partly because the Wallabies needed a reliable goal kicker.

Rookie five-eighth Carter Gordon has struggled off the tee since being promoted to the starting line-up but Donaldson proved a more than reliable replacement, booting three penalties and three conversions and crossing for two tries to rack up a personal tally of 25 points.

Wallabies skipper Will Skelton was thrilled with how his side kicked off its World Cup campaign. Picture: Getty Images

“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. In the end it made me look half-decent so I put that on all the boys.” Donaldson said.

“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.”

Defensively, the Australians were solid but did give away two tries in the second half when fatigue began to set in.

“Some of the fresh reserves came on and really put it to us and the heat really played a part as well,” Donaldson said.

“We came out a bit slower for the second half but I’m proud of the boys, we really fought hard.”

Donaldson wasn’t the only young gun to shine on their World Cup debut.

Wallabies players celebrate the win after the final whistle. Picture: Getty Images

Winger Mark Nawaqanitawase had a blinder, scoring a try and saving another one with a tackle reminiscent of George Gregan’s 1994 Bledisloe Cup winner.

Jordan Petatia also scored a try while the Wallabies pack more than held their own against the big Georgian forwards, dominating the scrums and lineouts in sweltering conditions at a packed Stade de France.

The starting front row of Angus Bell, Dave Poreck and Taniela Tupou all played well with Tupou adding another clip to his highlight reel with an overhead pass to Donaldson for his first try.

The Georgians were impressed with their skipper Merab Sharikadze praising the Wallabies.

“Australia are one of the best teams in the world and will do great in this World Cup,” he said.

Originally published as Rugby World Cup 2023: Wallabies begin tournament in style with 35-15 win against Georgia