Mercy, he’s Wade too big
WADE Graham was the star of the show for Australia in their 52- 6 win over France, with the Sharks backrower running in four tries.
In just his second test, Graham was untouchable down the left side, doing his chances of securing a spot for the knockout stages a world of good.
After running a fine line off Cameron Munster for his first try, Graham combined with Billy Slater on a slick blindside play shortly after for his next.
When he plunged over off another Munster pass he’d completed his hat- trick after just 31 minutes and, midway through the second half, he got another, becoming the first Australian forward to score four tries since Gorden Tallis against Papua New Guinea in 2000.
Australia’s left edge had something of a field day, running in eight tries as the French struggled to identify the Kangaroos set plays.
Avignon centre Olivier Arnaud and five- eighth Remy Marginet were exposed time and again – poor Marginet was trampled repeatedly by rampaging Australian backrowers.
The French lacked the physical strength in the middle to blunt Australia’s attack, and were well contained in the ruck but made the most of things when they had the ball and embraced their instincts.
Fullback Mark Kheirallah provided a brilliant highlight, running the length of the field for a try midway through the first half. It was a just reward for a strong performance from the former Rooster, who was France’s best on the night.
The Kangaroos lacked some cohesion, which was to be expected after the mass changes from last week’s win over England and with the late withdrawal of James Maloney, but showed plenty of slick handling when they did get things right.
Cameron Munster had a fine debut after being pitched into the starting side in relief of Maloney and will give Mal Meninga plenty of food for thought after a fine display.
Munster orchestrated the massacre down the left, setting up several tries and scoring two himself.
If he’s retained in the starting side for next week’s match with Lebanon and lights things up once again he could form part of an all- Melbourne spine for the big end of the tournament.
Cameron Smith was also exemplary around the ruck, taking a greater role in the directing of the side following the late change in the halves.
His kicking game in particular was excellent, and the moment the French allowed a quick play the ball he was out of dummy half, isolating defenders and picking the middle of the field apart.
His contribution to Graham’s second try should hang in the Louvre – Smith worked the right hand side like a speed bag following a series of quick play the balls.