Rugby World Cup: 5 things we learned from Wallabies v Uruguay

Wallabies need to be more ruthless, good signs from the goalkicker and more discipline required. Some of the 5 things we learned from the Wallabies’ match against Uruguay.

Jack Dempsey took his chance. Picture: AFP

• Match report: Star is born as sluggish Wallabies down Uruguay
• Player ratings from Wallabies v Uruguay

The Wallabies got back into winning ways with a seven-try performance against Uruguay at the Rugby World Cup with some excellent attack but more went begging.

What did we learn from a 45-10 result against Uruguay, that was always expected, for the bigger games ahead. Jim Tucker reports from Oita.

5 THINGS WE LEARNED ABOUT THE WALLABIES

1 The Wallabies do create plenty of chances which is why they can beat any side but nailing more is still the handbrake to doing that more often. In the opening 11 minutes of the second half, Taniela Tupou, Folau Faingaa and Matt Toomua, with a no-fault falcon off the head from a Nic White pass, gave up turnovers in the Uruguay quarter.

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 >

Jack Dempsey took his chance. Picture: AFP

2 No.8 Jack Dempsey took his chance to shine big-time in the backrow even if the jersey embroiderers got it wrong and they knitted a No.6 on his jersey instead of Lukhan Salakaia-Loto’s larger jersey. He made nine runs for 117m, beat tacklers, had a high workrate and demanded more time in the games to come.

3 Christian Lealiifano’s goalkicking confidence got a nice lift with five-from-seven and most from wide angles. If the Wallabies are to advance, he needs his kicking boots on.

When he plays at five-eighth, it truly is a job share on playmaking with the halfback and inside centre he works beside a la Nic White and Matt Toomua in Oita.

Christian Lealiifano was impressive with the boot. Picture: Getty Images

4 Book a karaoke bar, break open the champagne, search for a photo for life. James Slipper. First try. That’s right. He’s been putting in for the Wallabies since 2010 and this was first in his 94th Test. A 2m classic.

5 High tackles keep hurting the Wallabies. No damage was done to the opposition but two yellow cards for seatbelt tackles (Adam Coleman and Lukhan Salakaia-Loto) will be the end of the road at the World Cup if repeated in a quarter-final. There’s a crackdown. Get with the program. Quickly.

After 94 Tests, James Slipper is a Wallaby try-scorer. Picture: Getty Images

Another strong scrummaging day for the pack but for giving up one ball when down to seven forwards and holding it in the scrum for too long.