Wallabies The Kings Of Come-Back
There’s nothing quite as sweet or as satisfying as the very first win of a championship season. Just ask the Wallabies. Saturday saw Australia truly turning its game on, resulting in a second half style defeat over Argentina. Australia proved once more that they were a side able to overcome any psychological edge after having trailed behind by 13 points to 0 by the time that the half-time siren was sounded.
Coach Michael Cheika bewailed a complete lack of urgency on the part of his men during a half-time interview with the press, but remained optimistic that they would in fact be able to pull the proverbial rabbit from the hat during the second half. Which is of course exactly what transpired before the final toll of the bell announced the 45-20 victory. All thanks to superb team work by captain Michael Hooper, fullback Israel Folau and Sean McMahom in the Number 8 jersey.
In The Limelight For All The Wrong Reasons
Wallabies fullback Israel Folau had been in the news all week for his very public condemnation of gay marriage. He managed to redeem himself – at least on the field – by becoming the first Wallabies player to have scored four doubles in a single Test season.
A very necessary feat considering the sheer fit and fight put on by Argentina during the first half of the match. The visitors showed a great deal of unadulterated grit and street smart during the initial 40 minutes. Nico Sanchez put his kicking game on full display and forwards Tomas Lezana and Pablo Matera ran over their Australian rivals.
It was Bernard Foley’s prized goal-kicking prowess that insured a come-back by the home side – lifting the Wallabies back onto par with Argentina with all of six penalties as well as a conversion to boot.
Israel Folau, Sekope Kepu, Will Genia, Nick Phipps and hooker Jordan Uelese were all instrumental in finishing what Bernard Foley had started – each crossing over for a try in favour of their side. The defence too, picked up a considerable amount of speed during the second half of the match, with only a single try having slipped through the cracks and conceded.
Bernard Foley quite deservedly walked away man of the match – although there is a lot to be said for the sterling performance by team mates Uelese, Genia and Hooper.
Hooper seemed truly relieved at the turn of the tide, saying that it was a rewarding sensation when the hard work finally started to pay off.
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