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Rugby World Cup 2023 | Match Centre | Austrlia 35:15 Georgia
In their World Cup Pool C opener at the Stade de France, Australia under the leadership of Eddie Jones secured a commanding 35-15 victory over Georgia, marking Jones’ first win in his second stint as head coach.
The Wallabies wasted no time, with Jordan Petaia scoring their initial try within minutes. Georgia, a team struggling to advance beyond the pool stage in previous World Cup appearances, managed to narrow the gap with a penalty from Luka Matkava.
Australia continued to dominate, extending their lead with a try by winger Mark Nawaqanitawase, thanks to Petaia’s impressive play, followed by conversions from Ben Donaldson. Donaldson contributed further with three successful penalties, capitalizing on Georgia’s indiscipline.
The match had its share of drama, including an injury-enforced substitution for Australia’s scrum-half Tate McDermott and Georgia’s winger Mirian Modebadze being sin-binned for a dangerous tackle on Nic White. The second half saw Georgia’s Luka Ivanishvili powering over for a try, but Australia quickly responded, with Taniela Tupou’s interception leading to another try by Donaldson.
Donaldson completed his standout performance with a 70th-minute try, securing a bonus point for Australia. In the dying moments, Georgia managed a consolation try from a lineout through prop Beka Gigashvili.
Match Summary
Pool C| Australia 35:15 Georgia
Australia Scores:
TRIES Jordan Petaia (2′), Mark Nawaqanitawase (9′), Ben Donaldson (56′, 69′)
CONV Ben Donaldson (11′, 57′, 70′)
PENS Ben Donaldson (14′, 21′, 31′)
Georgia Scores:
TRIES Luka Ivanishvili (47′), Beka Gigashvili (80′)
CONV Tedo Abzhandadze (80′)
PENS Luka Matkava (6′)
Venue:
Stade de France, Saint-Denis
Referee:
Luke Pearce
Man of the match:
Ben Donaldson (Australia)
Highlights
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