‘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.
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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
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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
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