Australia's 2023 Rugby World Cup got off to a winning start at the Stade de France in Paris, defeating Georgia 35-15 in a positive if patchy performance.
The Wallabies started as they meant to go on with Jordan Petaia and Mark Nawaqanitawase both crossing inside the opening 10 minutes; the back-line clicking into gear straight away to open up an early lead with Ben Donaldson adding the extras.
Georgia scored early in the second half but the Wallabies soon re-asserted their dominance, Donaldson crossing twice to secure an opening day bonus-point for Eddie Jones' side.
A first win at the sixth attempt under Jones could prove to be a springboard for further success, but this young crop of Wallabies still need to improve if they're to avoid an upset against Fiji in their next pool match.
Here's how the Wallabies rated out of 10 in their World Cup opener:
MORE: Highlights from the Wallabies' World Cup opener against Georgia
15. Ben Donaldson - 8
The young playmaker, winning only his third cap, came into his own at full-back, kicking three penalties and conversions apiece as well as finishing two second-half tries to register 25 of his side's 35 points.
He was a constant threat both with the boot and ball-in-hand, popping up in exactly the right place to finish each of his two scores with the ease of a 50-cap veteran.
14. Mark Nawaqanitawase - 8
An early 50-22 led directly to Petaia's opening try, and Nawaqanitawase got in on the act himself soon after. He was everywhere for the full 80, carrying from anywhere and everywhere, as well as making a try-saving tackle on Tabutsadze late on.
He's fast-becoming the face of this new generation of Wallabies
13. Jordan Petaia - 8
Got Australia off to a flyer with his second-minute try, finishing well down the left side from McDermott's pass. Led the Wallabies defence well throughout his 57 minutes, forming a solid connection with Kerevi in the first 40, and pulled off a fantastic offload to put Nawaqanitawase over in the opposite corner.
12. Samu Kerevi - 6
Stepped in at first receiver often, particularly after turnovers, and was keen to link up with his midfield partner Petaia at every opportunity. He carried well, as we've come to expect, before being taken off at half-time.
11. Marika Koroibete - 8
A rapid counter-attack from a kick return left Georgia reeling, and gave Nawaqanitawase the space to finish his early try. The dual-code international was constantly looking for work, remained solid under the high ball and wasn't afraid to get stuck in amongst the big men either.
10. Carter Gordon - 8
The Australian 10 shirt finally seemed to fit Gordon perfectly at times, as he frequently chose the best possible option with his kicks and found the airborne Nawaqanitawase with several attacking bombs into the 22.
9. Tate McDermott - 7
The scrum-half set up the opening try with a crisp cut-out pass to Petaia, and was lively around the ruck area, throwing flick passes and taking quick-tap penalties before being forced off with a head knock in the 35th minute
1. Angus Bell - 7
Recovered from an early knock-on to become one of Australia's strongest ball carriers in the first half, popping up all over the pitch and being ever-dependable at scrum-time.
2. Dave Porecki - 6
Was solid enough at the set-piece, with Australia's line-out being a constant platform to launch attacks. His stray knee ended McDermott's game after an accidental collision with the scrum-half's chin.
3. Taniela Tupou - 8
Was unplayable for the Lelos at times, making use of his power and dynamism all over the pitch. Tupou helped his pack to more than match the Georgian scrum, and could've had a try himself but was held up in the first half.
An opportunistic intercept saw him pick out a loose ball and offload to put Donaldson under the sticks, as the 'Tongan Thor' proved to be a constant threat for Georgia's pack.
4. Richie Arnold - 7
Stole two Georgian line-outs and was ever-present at the breakdown, but the Wallabies didn't lose much when he went off mid-way through the second half.
5. Will Skelton - 8
The new Australian captain led from the front in Saint-Denis, being a constant figure at the breakdown to pinch quick balls and win turnovers. His biggest show of strength saw him force back a maul which looked destined to end in a try, and he left everything on the pitch for the 70 minutes he played.
6. Tom Hooper - 6
Made strong carries from deep and was heavily involved in almost every breakdown, but was one of Australia's quieter performers overall.
7. Fraser McReight - 7
Never far away from clean ball and was involved in several turnovers, providing a brilliant pop-pass for Donaldson to almost scythe his way through the Georgian defence late in the first half.
8. Rob Valetini - 6
Almost secured a try assist in the near-side corner with inside offload, but otherwise carried well and stood firm in defence.
Replacements:
16. Matt Faessler - 6
Came on midway through the second half and set up a smart line-out moved which led to the bonus-point try, but also overthrew one late on that almost saw Georgia go coast-to-coast.
17. Blake Schoupp - 6
Made only his second test appearance for the final half hour, and was solid at the set-piece.
18. Zane Nonggorr - 6
Replaced Tupou for the final 10 minutes, but couldn't match the starting tighthead's impact.
19. Rob Leota - 6
Replaced Arnold with 20 to go and became the Wallabies' chief line-out threat.
20. Langi Gleeson - 5
Carried well in his short cameo after replacing Skelton.
21. Nic White - 7
On earlier than expected after McDermott's HIA, and put some smart attacking kicks into Georgia's half. His presence around the ruck frustrated Georgia to the point of a sin-binning, and he carried on despite injuring his shoulder late on.
22. Lalakai Foketi - 5
Didn't bring the same presence as Kerevi but was solid in defence and linked up well with Koroiobete.
23. Suliasi Vunivalu - 6
On for Petaia in last 20, the Rugby League convert couldn't quite gather a cross-field kick to score in the corner with his first touch, but did often come inside looking for work.
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