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Wayward Wallabies too strong for Uruguay

3 minute read

The Wallabies have run in seven tries to one to overwhelm Uruguay 45-10 in a performance marred by ill-discipline at the Rugby World Cup.

JAMES O'CONNOR the Wallaby wing is tackled by FRANCOIS HOUGAARD during the 2010 Tri-Nations match between the South African Springboks and the Australian Wallabies at Vodacom Park in Bloemfontein, South Africa.
JAMES O'CONNOR the Wallaby wing is tackled by FRANCOIS HOUGAARD during the 2010 Tri-Nations match between the South African Springboks and the Australian Wallabies at Vodacom Park in Bloemfontein, South Africa. Picture: David Rogers/Getty Images

Michael Cheika has put away his loud hailer and won' t comment on the high tackle rulings that marred the Wallabies' 45-10 win over Uruguay at the Rugby World Cup.

An outspoken critic of match and judicial officials at the tournament so far, Cheika kept his powder dry when asked to assess four head high tackle rulings against his team at Oita Stadium on Saturday, two of which resulted in yellow cards.

The sin-binning of forwards Adam Coleman and Lukhan Salakaia-Loto contributed towards a scratchy first-half performance, which was highlighted by a striking debut from teenage winger Jordan Petaia

Dane Haylett-Petty and outside centre Tevita Kuridrani completed doubles in an improved second half as Australia finished with seven tries to one against the plucky 18th-ranked South Americans.

Cheika, criticised in some quarters for his aggressive reaction to officiating in both the win over Fiji and loss to Wales, was keen to shut down questions on the high tackle rulings.

"I'm not going to talk about that, to be honest, I think it's pretty clear why not," he said.

"I'll just steer clear of it and everyone will be good."

Asked if the Wallabies needed to address their tackle technique, the coach pointed to a 12-5 penalty count and said his team needed superior discipline across the board.

"We're just giving away too many penalties, full stop, no matter what it's for," he said.

"You can't be winning games by 45 and still losing the penalty count. Then when we start getting our flow going, we're giving away less penalties."

The bonus point win means Australia have virtually locked down a quarter-final berth, with only a series of upsets able to deny them.

The remain on track to finish second in pool D but could yet claim top spot if Fiji upset Wales in Oita on Wednesday.

Cheika was full of praise for Petaia, the 19-year-old matching the hype with a try and a classy assist before being replaced at halftime in a planned switch.

The Wallabies went to another gear in the second spell, crossing four times against the 18th-ranked South Americans, who nevertheless had the final say through a try to No.8 Manuel Diana.

Australia burst from the blocks with a slick opening try to Haylett-Petty before their discipline turned south.

French referee Mathieu Raynal brandished his first yellow card when deeming Coleman had tackled fullback Rodrigo Silva around the shoulder.

That 14th minute infringement was followed 15 minutes later by a near-identical indiscretion from flanker Salakaia-Loto.

Australia notched a solitary try during both under-manned periods, with Petaia at the heart of each. He ran cleverly off a Kurtley Beale inside pass to score before eluding three defenders to send Kuridrani clear.

Up 19-3 at the break Australia dominated the second spell through power runners such as man of the match Kuridrani, flanker Jack Dempsey and reserve prop Taniela Tupou. All three were making their first appearances of the tournament.

Kuridrani, Will Genia, James Slipper and Haylett-Petty were the second-half try-scorers.

Slipper's try was greeted with delight by teammates, with the veteran prop having failed to score in his previous 93 Tests.

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