Wallabies player ratings: Will Genia, Lukhan Tui play starring role against Springboks in Brisbane
SOME improved individual performances but still a lack of cohesion in the revamped lineup as the Wallabies hung on to beat the Springboks. at Suncorp Stadium. Here are the player ratings.
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SOME improved individual performances but still a lack of cohesion in the revamped lineup as the Wallabies rebounded from their back-to-back losses against New Zealand to beat the Springboks 23-18 at Suncorp Stadium on Saturday night.
Here are the player ratings.
CLOSE CALL: Wallabies hang on grimly for victory
FEW CHANCES: Beale didn’t really have space to shine
Dane Haylett-Petty - 7
Did a pretty good job filling in for Israel Folau at short notice, making some good metres from the back. Unfortunately his best play of the night was called back for a South African penalty when he swooped on to a crosskick and was off for a try at the other end.
Jack Maddocks - 6.5
Didn’t get many chances but didn’t make any blunders. Went looking for the ball when it didn’t come his way and got in the face of his opposition before being taken off after an hour to allow Bernard Foley into the fray.
Reece Hodge - 7
Really solid game. Made a bust with his first touch of the ball that led to the first try and booted a critical long-range penalty on the stroke of halftime. Replaced by Tom Banks 13 minutes from the end but came back on for Koroibete.
Matt Toomua - 8
Kicked well in his shots at goal, even retaining the duties when Foley came on. Scored an opportunist try under the sticks when he sprinted on to an overcooked lineout throw and tackled well but didn’t really gel with Beale.
Marika Koroibete - 6
Gave away two early penalties to put Australia under pressure but settled down after that and looked dangerous each time he got the ball although he never quite got the room he wanted.
Kurtley Beale - 6
Had some nice touches and dangerous moments, both with the ball in hand and with his boot, but looked a little out of sorts at 10. Mistimed a couple of passes and knocked the ball on in a good attacking position and missed two tackles. Moved to fullback for the last 20 minutes when Foley came on.
Will Genia - 8.5
Australia’s best player. Was busy all night, marshalling the attacking and producing some dangerous sniping runs. Almost scored a try with a clever kick and chase and rallied the troops when they were flagging at the end.
Pete Samu - 6.5
Made a strong contribution in his first run-on start for the Wallabies, playing all 80 minutes. Worked hard all night, with six carries and making four tackles. Worked well with Genia at the back of the scrum and took on extra duties when Hooper was struggling.
Michael Hooper - 6.5
Had an energetic first half, scoring the opening try after wriggling his way over from the back of the ruck. Sent a scare into the Wallabies when he went down with a sore hamstring before the break. Stayed on but was much quieter in the second half.
Lukhan Tui - 7.5
A real workhorse effort. Played the whole match and was going as strong at the end as he was at the start. Was Australia’s busiest defender, making 11 tackles, and went on a couple of barnstorming runs when the Wallabies needed some go-forward.
Izack Rodda - 6
Promoted to the starting side just hours before the match when Adam Coleman withdrew for family reasons. Had problems containing South Africa’s driving mauls. Went off after 41 minutes but returned briefly as a blood bin replacement for Arnold.
Rory Arnold - 6.5
Worked hard in his first Test appearance for a year. Won a critical lineout deep in Australian territory when the Boks were on the attack. Did a lot of good things but needs more time back at international level.
Allan Alaalatoa - 6
Made an ominous start when he was penalised for collapsing the first scrum. Was given a rough night by the Boks’ front row but did all his chores and pulled off some heavy hits before being replaced after 47 minutes.
Tatafu Polota-Nau - 5
Went off looking exhausted after just 33 minutes, which is no surprise after his whirlwind trip back to England between tests. But came back on at the end and held the scrum together when it mattered.
Scott Sio - 7
Typically robust effort from the frontrower. It wasn’t an easy night for the props but he held his own and lasted 69 minutes with a couple of bone rattling tackles.
Reserves:
Folau Faingaa - 6
Brought some real stability to the scrum when he came on but missed two vital lineout throws in the second half when Australia were on the attack and in position to put the South Africans to the sword.
Tom Robertson
Only played 13 minutes but still managed to make five tackles.
Taniela Tupou
Came on in the second half. Just needed to hold up his side of the scrum and did that.
Rob Simmons - 6
Started the day preparing to play for the Sydney Rays but was called up at the last minute when Coleman withdrew. Went on for Rodda after 41 minutes. Dropped the ball cold right near the line when the Wallabies were on the boil but was otherwise solid.
Ned Hanigan
Only played six minutes.
Joe Powell
Only player not to get on the field.
Bernard Foley
Came on with 20 minutes to go and Australia immediately looked more composed, although they spent a lot of time defending when he was on. Made an intercept at the end which sealed the Wallabies’ win.
Tom Banks
Another late replacement but all good experience for him.