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'Win a few games for us': Eddie Jones' witty review of Georgian Rugby
By Finn Morton
Wallabies coach Eddie Jones has, rather hilariously, called on Georgia to “win a few games for us” after Australia’s comfortable 35-15 win in their Rugby World Cup clash.
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An inexperienced Wallabies outfit took a step in the right direction on Saturday as they ended almost a year of hurt by winning Australia’s first Test since last November.
Fullback Ben Donaldson silenced some critics with a sensational performance at Stade de France, which included a double and near-perfect night off the goal-kicking tee.
The Australian forwards were also impressive as they monstered Georgia at the set-piece. The Lelos are renowned for their dominance at the scrum, even though they’re not a tier-one nation.
But the likes of Taniela Tupou, Angus Bell and Will Skelton contributed to some sensational work by the Australian forwards, which allowed the backs to play with freedom and time.
“Well round one you want to be sitting with five points so I think we got five points,” Jones told reporters at Stade de France.
“That’s the first time I’ve been involved in a game against Georgia, or a training session against Georgia where their scrum their hasn’t dominated or looked like dominating.
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“That’s real credit to Neal Hatley and the front row, Taniela (Tupou) in his 50th cap and (Angus) Belly and (David) Porecki and obviously the rest of the pack for their scrum efficiency.
“Secondly, our attacking kicking was really good. It put Mark (Nawaqanitawase) in a number of situations where he really caused the opposition a lot of trouble.
“They’re two really key and promising areas for us.”
As a proud rugby nation, Georgia has made some noticeable strides in their development on the international scene. They made history with statement wins over Italy and Wales last year.
But the Lelos fell well short of what would’ve been a maiden win over the Wallabies. They showed glimpses of promise, but the result was never really in doubt.
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Coach Jones’ Wallabies recorded their first win of the year, and that result holds them in good stead ahead of some key pool matches.
As for Georgia, they may need to beat all three of Portugal, Fiji and then Wales if they are to qualify for the Rugby World Cup quarter-finals for the first time.
“The strength of the team has changed, the balance of the team has changed,” Jones added.
“Your game has evolved because you’ve got some great young backs. Both the nine’s are good players and the fullback is something special; he’s got that curving, arching run and he doesn’t lose speed when he changes direction so he’s very hard to defend against.
“It’s an evolution of Georgian Rugby. You always want to keep your strength there which is your scrum and then adding to it.
“Apologise I can’t pronounce the coach’s name but I think he’s doing a really good job, I think he’s doing a fantastic job for Georgian Rugby and I’m sure you’re going to have a good rest of the tournament.
“We want you to win every other game. We’ve got Georgian flags up at Saint-Etienne now. We’re barracking for you guys so make sure you win a few games for us.”
