Wallabies vs Georgia: Five takeaways from Sydney and Australia’s win – Planet Rugby

Following the Wallabies’ 40-29 win over Georgia in Sydney, here are our five takeaways from a hugely entertaining game at Allianz Stadium in Sydney.

The top line

On Saturday, the Wallabies played a highly-engaging and fast-paced match against Georgia, with the former emerging victorious in a 10-try duel.

Tries from Hunter Paisami, Rob Valetini (2), Isaac Kailea and Fraser McReight (2) helped Australia to victory, but Georgia definitely gave their best.

In fact, the Lelos can take a lot from this defeat as they continue to prove they can compete with the top-tier nations and at one point in the encounter, they looked well placed to claim victory. However, it was probably only fair that the Wallabies came out on top as they were the slightly better team on the day.

Overall it was a fantastic spectacle and credit must go to referee James Doleman for imposing a fast pace on the ruck, with both sets of players putting on a show.

Vital impulse

After just two wins in nine Tests in 2023 under Eddie Jones, Joe Schmidt has already surpassed the former Wallabies boss and his 100 per cent record remains intact.

Back-to-back wins over Wales were followed by this Georgia success and it is hard to put a price on what this sense of victory could generate in terms of momentum.

A cloud seems to have lifted over this Wallabies squad as Schmidt’s calm demeanor and drama-free approach appears to be paying off, with this group of players really settling into the new regime. This, of course, is crucial with a Rugby Championship just around the corner where even bigger tests await.

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Georgia impresses

Hats off to the Lelos, who once again proved their worth at international rugby’s top table, scoring four tries and entertaining the Sydney crowd throughout.

Following their triumph over Japan, Georgia looked to make history with their first ever win against Australia and while they didn’t quite manage to do so, they can be very proud of their efforts as the Wallabies endured a tough night. Georgia’s fitness and skills were on full display throughout the match in an impressive performance.

Akaki Tabutsadze was one of the standout performers for the Whites, as his two tries showed desire rather than a lack of skill and he and the Lelos will take plenty from this defeat.

Back Row Shine

Third round for Schmidt and third pairing on the back row. Interestingly, performances have been improving progressively at each round, with today’s three engines, Harry Wilson, McReight and Valetini, shining against Georgia.

Wilson adds a great effort, especially on the rush to complement Valetini’s runs, all of which gives McReight the freedom to choose the moments in which to influence the game. The trio was excellent and the play in which they all worked together to achieve a clean break that ultimately scored exemplifies their strength as a unit.

From the back row there were 42 carries, 27 tackles, four tries and one try assist. Surely Schmidt now has all the answers he needs and if not, what is certain is that the Wallabies have deceptive depth in their loose forward reserves.

Focus on Boks now

As mentioned above, bigger tests await the Wallabies and none will be bigger than South Africa in their opening match of the Rugby Championship on August 10.

That clash at Suncorp Stadium will no doubt give Schmidt an indicator of where his side stand – no disrespect to Wales and Georgia – but the Springboks are a different fish in terms of opponent.

However, July could not have been better for the New Zealander and his improving side, and they will head into the game high on confidence as they look to secure a first win that will serve them well going forward.

READ MORE: Wallabies edge out Georgia in 10-try thriller as Joe Schmidt makes it three wins from three