Giteau and Smith guide Wallabies to victory over France
By Darren Walton, 28 Jun 2009 Darren Walton is a Roar Pro
Superstar five-eighth Matt Giteau scored all the points as the Wallabies issued a warning to their Tri Nations rivals with a 22-6 triumph over in-form France at ANZ Stadium on Saturday night.
Giteau bagged Australia’s only try and nailed a conversion and five penalties in another flawless display of goalkicking as the Wallabies completed their June internationals unbeaten.
Giteau’s haul was just three points shy of Matt Burke’s all-time record against France, achieved in the 1999 Rugby World Cup final victory in Cardiff.
The well-earned win completed a perfect four-from-four Tri Nations preparation for the Wallabies following earlier wins over the Barbarians and twin successes against Italy.
Compared to the fifth-ranked French, though, the Baa Baas and Azzurri are two of world rugby’s lesser lights and the Wallabies were eager to step it up a notch ahead their Bledisloe Cup opener with the All Blacks in Auckland in three weeks’ time.
They did just that, keeping Les Bleus – who were fresh off an impressive drawn series with the All Blacks in New Zealand – tryless to maintain their 18-year domination of France on Australian soil.
Coach Robbie Deans was chuffed with the performance, hailing the Wallabies’ defence as the best of his 20-Test reign.
“Definitely in terms of collective understanding,” Deans said.
“The French are a capable side and we suppressed their opportunities and we did it in a way that was organised and positive and enthusiastic – and we sustained it.
“So that’s encouraging because we know from here we’re going to get a serious test in the Tri Nations. The ante is going to go up.
“But it’s been a solid month for us. It’s been a really good background for us and that was a better than solid performance, to be fair.
“There were elements that we’d been working on that we had some visible growth – defence obviously, but also the way the boys played the 80.
“It was a full team effort. Everyone got involved in the game and added something, which is something we’ve been working hard at as well.”
While Giteau again grabbed most of the plaudits, champion flanker George Smith – playing his record-equalling 11th Test against France and 99th in total – provided the inspiration for Australia’s fourth straight win over Les Bleus.
Smith was in everything as the Australian pack more than matched the highly-rated French forwards to lay the platform for the Wallabies backs.
“He’s a special player,” Deans said.
“He’s played 99 Tests, but you wouldn’t think so watching him today. You’d think it was his first in terms of the enthusiasm that he brings to it.”
It wasn’t always pretty but when the Wallabies backs did execute for the only try of the night, it was impressive stuff.
Giteau started and finished the 40-metre movement.
His long cut-out pass found skipper Stirling Mortlock, who drew the defence to release Lachie Turner and the winger then found Berrick Barnes in support before he delivered a neat final pass to Giteau.
Giteau’s conversion gave the Wallabies a 7-0 lead after 18 minutes.
A penalty from flyhalf Lionel Beauxis briefly narrowed the deficit to four points, but Giteau replied to give Australia a 10-3 lead at the break.
Four more penalties between the 43rd and 56th minutes put the result beyond doubt.
© AAP 2012Enjoy sports? Enjoy a bargain? All Sports Online has your favourite sporting brands at up to 70% off. Online only, premium quality sporting goods and merchandise at discounted prices. Get a deal now.
Do you have what it takes to become a sports writer? Write for the roar
Rugby Union articles
- Will Super Rugby crowds continue their slide? (198)
- Will South African rugby force a Super 21 by 2018? (172)
- Brumbies 2012: New coach, new players, new attitude (128)
- Dan Parks and the unsolved questions of expat rugby (61)
- Pocock set to be named new Force skipper (56)
- Can the ‘Tahs win the battle after losing the Waugh? (51)
- What does the future hold for the Six Nations (50)
- Chiefs continue to wait for SBW (3)
- Nathan Sharpe to retire at end of 2012 (3)
- Queensland ready for Super challenge (2)
- Australian teams at Super disadvantage (52)
- Foley excited about Samoan rugby challenge
- Force rugby coach praises his pack (2)
- The real story of how John O’Neill turned Manchester City down (62)
- Wales show Southern Hemisphere how to play running rugby (26)
- What opening matches of Six Nations taught us (18)
- Will Super Rugby crowds continue their slide? (201)
- Clinical Chiefs cost rusty Rebels in Corio (9)
- Six Nations shows rugby is a parochial game at heart (5)
- Goose’s Super Rugby up-and-comer XV for 2012 (29)
- What does the future hold for the Six Nations (50)
jools-usa said | June 28th 2009 @ 5:54am | Report comment
I guess the opposition affects the play so don’t think Ws ever hit top gear & were brought down to the so-so level of France who lacked any fizz.
After 1st couple of muffed tries it looked a bit ho-hum.
Bright spark was back 3 and Smith………..plays like a 19 year-old.
Jools-USA
Who Needs Melon said | June 28th 2009 @ 6:28am | Report comment
Yes it seems Smith has got his “bad” games out of his system. He has them every 25 tests or so. So expect his next “bad” game at about the 125 test mark. Then 150, 175, etc.
Seriously, how many tests is this guy going to play? I thought Pocock played very well when he came on and will surely be the main source of pressure on Smith in years to come but, as Deans said, Smith is a special – as well as being a great 7, he does things ‘normal’ 7s don’t. And like pizza and sex, even when he’s “bad” he’s still pretty good.
matt said | June 28th 2009 @ 6:59am | Report comment
Smith..a freak. How many crucial pills does he steal?
Once again, I am stll concerned about the amount of forwards missing from the rucks…I reckon the backs cleaned out as many as as some of the forwards did. What’s the point queuing in midfield for a run if you lose the ball? We are very open to counter rucking..and I am sure the AB’s won’t have missed this point.
Good to see a bit more defensive jumping in the lineouts as well, although many still uncontested.
Some thoughts:
*AAC super safe under the high ball, he’s getting better every test.
*Back three all solid.
*Barnes has to work on his grubbers. He often (not just last night) kicks them into the legs of players. He had a good night defensively.
Gits needs to speed up his clearance kick technique, he is a charge down worry. He is becoming more influencial (and stepping out of Larkham and Mortlock’s shadow), every game.
Mumm’s the word….did anyone know he was playing last night?
Alexander still has a lot of work to go at tighthead.
TPN is not a good thrower..can blame the lifters this week.
Horwill was very quiet (mental scarring?), Pocock played well when he came on..punches above his weight. (and looked like he wouldn’t back down from a punch on).
Wallabies benfitted from some very poor ref decisions.
More straight hard runners needed.
Overall a 7/10, but more work needed before NZ
Nird99 said | June 28th 2009 @ 8:36am | Report comment
One of the positives for me last night was the way the wallabies defended the rolling maul, and were also willing ona couple of occasions to have a crack at their own rolling maul. For me I think robinson was the standout forward last night. there were a couple of rucks were i thought Smith had pinched another ball and it was in fact robinson in the middle.
Pocock was good. He seems to carry a little bit more weight than our other 7′s and this may increase as he gets older and bulks up a bit. Saying this on Smiths form he wont be making any in-roads into the starting team any time soon and as we know smith has amazing strength and power.
You are right Matt about the opportunity for opposition to counter ruck. the french did it a couple of times early last night and it was effective, even if they did not get the ball they ensured that the wallabies did not have any clean, quick ball. This could be a real problem when you are playing a good defensive backline team like the Boks who move up quickly. Our backs can be great when they are getting on the front foot and they need quick ball clearance from the ruck.
I would agree with the 7/10 for what they were facing. they built and maintained pressure when they needed and seemed to have cut out the throw the pass at any cost mentality that can creep into their game.
Jack Petro said | June 28th 2009 @ 9:51am | Report comment
Yes, I’m sorry but George played a good game at 7 – but he wasn’t the best forward on the field. Back rowers, like No.10s, are viewed by those that choose “man-of-the-match” as the one’s that win/loose the games – what about the little bloke running around last night in the number 1 jersey? How many times (at crucial periods) did Robinson pilfer the ball? Or how about last year’s “outcast” – Sharpe had an outstanding game, with both ball carries and front on defence. Can’t wait till the next “outcast” is brought back into contention, because although the back three were good, the Wallabies miss the enigma of Lote!
The Link said | June 28th 2009 @ 10:45am | Report comment
Only 43k to this game – is it time for all non Tri Nations intrnational games to be played at the SFS?
Justin said | June 28th 2009 @ 11:09am | Report comment
Another workmanlike performance, in a good way. Defence good, would like to see them keep the ball in hand more from halfway. There were a few scrums where they just kicked it to Traille who thumped it back. With 5 metres now at scrum time its a great opportunity to get on the front foot.
Liked the aggression at the rolling maul of the French, driving them back quickly on a couple of occasions. Smith brilliant as was Robinson. Burgess kept running and getting smashed, too much and too predictable for mine but not a bad game. Shapre again the busiest of 4,5 or 6. Not sure whats up with Horwill at the moment but doesnt seem 100%. Mumm took some simple uncontested ball in the lineout and was Casper the rest of the time. Feel that will be it for him for the year, it bloody should be.
Pocock was excellent when he came on.
Back 3 solid and getting back in support is good to see. Thought O’Connor should have gone to 12 when Barnes came off. He is good enough and strong enough to play there.
The big conundrum for me at the moment is the makeup of the back 5. Sharpe and Smith definite, Horwill just at the moment. Mumm out of the squad. Bring Kimlin back in. Brown needs more time but not sure he is big enough for a Test 8 could perhaps play 6. Need Rocky back for some aggressive running.
Would like to see a trial of Brown, Smith and Rocky at 8 with Kimlin on the bench as back 5 cover with Pocock.
mattamkII said | June 28th 2009 @ 11:10am | Report comment
Well done wallabies…ButI reckon the french could feel a little muffed with the Ref.
Peter K said | June 28th 2009 @ 11:30am | Report comment
Disgaree re Horwill. He did a LOT of tight work, he was first to clearing rucks and hard hits in channel 1. Yes Sharpe ran the ball more but was wider in defence. Horwill did his job as a tight forward.
Mumm did not do much, he should be dropped either for Elsom or Kimlin. Sharpe best game for years.
On the lineout throwing Moore threw a shocker as his first one right over heads. No comment on this one. TPN also threw one too low. His others were fine.
The forwards really stepped up this game except still leave the ruck undefended too much and suscpectible to counter rucking.
Dexter William said | June 28th 2009 @ 11:46am | Report comment
Peter K,
Come on, we need to hear you say that Sharpe is good last night.
The truth is that I have not been very impressed with Sharpe for a long time, but whatever Robbie has been telling him is obviously working. Yes. He did bomb a try by not passing wide – but that was the only major negative last night.
Instead of Sharpe doing “seagulling” last night, Mum was. What a shame that a young man given the opportunity did nothing to help his cause. He was the only player that is not improving under Robbie. Can’t wait to see Elsom at 6.
I also thoght that Brown did alright last night. Did you guys notice his biceps? He must be working on bulking up and strengthening work. He is not a big 8, but I like his attitude a lot. He may be in the making of our Rodney Soiallo.
Agree with the few other comments above that Benn R played fantastically well at the scrum and also in general play. If props do mature slowly, Benn R being in his early twenties would be in “the hall of fame” in his early thirties. Unfortunately our tight head stock isn’t as good as we see Ben A struggling when he came on.