France’s thrilling 28-26 win over the Wallabies in Melbourne snapped a 31 year drought on Australian soil and set up a winner takes all decider in Brisbane on Saturday.
Here’s how the Australian players rated during Tuesday night’s defeat at AAMI Park.
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1: James Slipper 6.5/10
Nothing flashy from the veteran loosehead prop. Was industrious throughout, before getting subbed at the three-quarter mark.
2: Brandon Paenga-Amosa 6/10
Another hard-working front rower who wasn’t flashy but did a solid job despite a couple of wobbles at lineout time.
3: Taniela Tupou 8/10
Quiet in the scrum, but very physical on defence and showed some X-factor – particularly throwing a cutout pass for Jake Gordon to score.
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4: Matt Philip 8/10
Another strong performance from the hard man in the pack. Plenty of tough charges and strong in the lineouts.
5: Lukhan Salakaia-Loto 6.5/10
Rolled up his sleeves for his core role and was a solid factor in defence. Also added a nice piece of skill, with a backflick pass.
6: Rob Valetini 7.5/10
Worked his way into the match well – firstly creating pressure on defence and adding some damaging runs with the ball in hand.
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Hooper gives Australia hope
7: Michael Hooper 9/10
Classy and courageous performance by the skipper. Was always in the right place at the right time, with key turnovers and scoring an excellent try, following an earlier sprinting effort down on the wing to stop a French attack.
8: Harry Wilson 7/10
Was a constant menace as the first chaser in the defensive line. Didn’t get much freedom on attack, but it was a decent effort overall.
9: Jake Gordon 8/10
Looked very sharp organising his runners and sparking the attack on a few occasions. Scored a well-deserved try.
10: Noah Lolesio 7.5/10
A very assured performance for the young fly half. He showed good fluency with passing and running on the inside channels and steady nerves with an impeccable night’s goal kicking.
11: Marika Koroibete 9/10
Was described as “unstoppable on occasions” which summed up another exemplary effort from the speedster. Busy all night, looked potent and was unlucky to have a sizzling try denied in the first half.
One of the best no tries you’ll see
12: Matt To’omua 6.5/10
Showed some sneaky tricks with the ball in hand and assisting Lolesio, but had a few uncharacteristic errors in his game.
13: Hunter Paisami 5.5/10
Another hot and cold display by the strong running midfielder. Improved as the game wore on, but far too many turnovers conceded for his liking.
14: Tom Wright 4/10
Started brightly, but seemed to lose confidence from some bad errors.
15: Tom Banks 8.5/10
Much improved display from the rangy ball runner. Made many searching charges throughout the game and had a huge line break in the lead up to Hooper’s try.
RESERVES
16: Lachlan Lonergan 4/10
Struggled after coming on in the final quarter. Looked very shaky at lineout time especially.
17: Angus Bell 6/10
Strong around the field after coming on, but buckled in the scrum to concede a crucial penalty.
18: Allan Alaalatoa 5/10
A head down performance from the interchange bench.
19: Darcy Swain 6/10
Applied good defensive pressure in the lineout and on the ground too for his brief minutes.
20: Isi Naisarani 6.5/10
Showed good energy after coming on and made a nice break, which was nullified by a key turnover.
21: Tate McDermott 6.5/10
Didn’t quite have the same impact as the first Test, but was tidy with his passing game.
22: Len Ikitau 6/10
Only on briefly, but showed some nice error-free touches.
23: Andrew Kellaway 6.5/10
Looked full of intent and showed fantastic support work to help set up Hooper’s for try.
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