Forceful Wallabies demolish France

[JamesH]

Robbie Deans will be wondering where he can get a few more Western Force players after strong performances from Matt Giteau, Nathan Sharpe, and Cameron Shepherd helped the Wallabies to a 34-13 win over France.

Even debutant Ryan Cross looked impressive, showing enthusiasm and power when he made his first appearance for the Wallabies off the bench in the 57th minute of the match.

The green and gold showed plenty of enterprise in the first half but their lack of international test play this season was obvious as the team repeatedly spilled the ball in front of a 48,899 strong Sydney crowd.

Giteau was the difference between the two sides in the first half, kicking a penalty in the 19th minute before skipping past French icon Sebastian Chabal to score a try late in the half. Giteau’s try was set-up by a rollicking run by Shepherd, who broke down the left flank before feeding the ball infield. The subsequent conversion brought the halftime score to 10-6, Giteau scoring every Australian point.

The Force continued to play a major role in an overall much improved Wallabies second half. Sharpe launched himself across the French line shortly after halftime after the Australian forward pack ground out field position in the French twenty-two. The 30-year-old lock’s blue headgear was a common site in crucial areas and he showed good mobility to offer support on attack.

He contributed to an almost perfect Wallabies second half performance, during which Rocky Elsom smashed over the line to extend the lead in the 47th minute and Stirling Mortlock pulled off a sublime intercept try to seal the deal midway through the half.

The French could only manage a single try to rookie Alexis Palisson, in the 67th minute of the match.

In the post-match interview, Deans said the performance was “progress” for the Wallabies. “It wasn’t perfect but it’s heading in the right direction. I was particularly pleased with our defence when we were under the hammer. We just needed to maintain ball for a bit longer [on attack].”

The team would work on improving their ball retention before next Saturday’s clash with France in Brisbane, Deans said.

Australia: 34 Giteau, Sharpe, Elsom, Mortlock tries; Giteau 4 cons, 2 pens
France: 13 Palisson try; Trinh-Duc con; Yachvili 2 pens
Referee: Marius Jonker (South Africa).

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By James Heffield, Betfair journalist

[travelling_gerry]

Heres a tip for you James. Elsom will come back from the UK and join the

[Burgs]

Purely on last nights showing, Bam-Bam for George...
Probably Mitch for Alice-Cooper too, that's two for you James.

[robyn <3]

hynes wasnt MOM for me. barnes wasnt bad... burgess came back with an effect, gits handled the cr@p well, rocky was great, any of them MOM but not hynes. bam bam and drew next game DEFINETLY!!

[JamesH]

How about how Shepherd has been relegated to the bench and Adam Ashley-Cooper is taking his place for this Saturday's match? I said more Force players Robbie!