Donaldson shines as Australia beats Georgia 35-15

PARIS, Sept 9 (Reuters) – Australian Ben Donaldson scored two tries to lead his team to a comfortable 35-15 bonus-point victory over Georgia in their World Cup opener on Saturday, giving the two champions in the world a first victory that raised their morale. six tests this year.

Livewire’s young backs Mark Nawaqanitawase and Jordan Petaia scored early tries to help the Wallabies take a 21-3 half-time lead before fullback Donaldson grabbed a brace to lift the Wallabies out of a break in The second half.

Donaldson, a surprise selection who made the team primarily for his kicking, added 15 points off the tee with three penalties and three conversions, missing only one outside kick.

“The guys just executed for the whole 80 minutes and made me look halfway decent at the end,” Donaldson said.

“I think some of their reserves came in and really helped us, we were a little slow in the second half but I’m proud of the boys.”

Georgia, hoping to add another top-class victim to their tally after wins over Italy and Wales in the last 13 months, fought until the end and scored tries through Luka Ivanishvili and Beka Gigashvili.

Although the atmosphere at the Stade de France was always going to be subdued compared to Friday’s opening party, when the hosts beat the All Blacks, Australia quickly helped quell any chance of the upset most of the 75,770 spectators wanted.

Center Petaia crossed the line in the second minute and made the break to send winger Nawaqanitawase for another try seven minutes later, before Donaldson took control off the tee to keep the score ticking.

The Georgians, trapped in their own half by Australian kicking, were growing frustrated and left winger Mirian Modebadze received a yellow card just before half-time.

The Lelos came out with renewed purpose after the break and, still down to 14 men, reduced the deficit to 21-8 when flyhalf Luka Matkava fired a circular pass to flanker Ivanishvili on the left wing.

Georgia fullback Davit Niniashvili finally had room to run in the 56th minute, but his wild backpass found only Taniela Tupou and the Australian prop’s clear discharge sent Donaldson over for his first try.

Australia were still struggling to find their rhythm in the sweltering heat, but flyhalf Carter Gordon summoned a superb long pass that allowed Donaldson to leap through a large gap and secure the bonus point.

The Georgians continued to fight but Nawaqanitawase made a stunning try-saving tackle to deny winger Akaki Tabutsadze before substitute prop Gigashvili broke through from close range in the dying seconds.

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