Australia off their best in battling win over Georgia amid storm
AUSTRALIA were a long way off their best but managed to overcome Georgia 27-8 in difficult conditions in Fukuroi to book a likely World Cup quarter-final against England.
Typhoon Hagibis approaching Japan led to heavy wind and rain battering the Shizuoka Stadium Ecopa, where Australia went ahead courtesy of Nic White’s 22nd-minute try.
It was not until after the hour mark that they crossed the whitewash again through Marika Koroibete while Jack Dempsey and Will Genia tries gave Australia a bonus-point win after Alexander Todua had touched down for Georgia.
Australia therefore moved to the top of Pool D but they will be relegated to runners-up if Wales avoid defeat to Uruguay on Sunday, which would see the Wallabies take on England in Oita next Saturday.
If that is indeed how events unfold then England head coach Eddie Jones would have taken heart from Australia’s laboured display.
Michael Cheika’s men routinely made errors at critical junctures in Georgia’s 22 before the pressure eventually told, White burrowing over from close range midway through the half.
Georgia replied through a Soso Matiashvili penalty, but Matt Toomua slotted home a penalty to give Australia a 10-3 lead at the interval.
Koroibete’s stunning solo effort gave Australia some breathing room, but back came Georgia through Todua, who touched down on the left wing.
However, tries inside the final five minutes from Dempsey and Genia made certain of an Australia victory.