Wallabies: Five players who impressed in the Waratahs’ win over Western Force

Dylan Coetzee
Super Rugby Pacific: Waratahs stars Mark Nawaqanitawase and Izaia Perese embrace

Following the Waratahs’ 36-16 win over the Western Force on Saturday, Planet Rugby looks at five stars that may have impressed Wallabies head coach Eddie Jones.

Lalakai Foketi

The Wallabies are well stocked in the centres, but Lalakai Foketi is keeping his name in the mix. The 28-year-old had another fine defensive display for the Waratahs, making all six of his tackles and winning a turnover.

He linked up well with Izaia Perese and Ben Donaldson with a healthy mix of 11 passes and seven carries, resulting in 27 metres and a line break. His sharp instincts resulted in a 50:22 when the ‘Tahs managed a turnover just inside their half. The kind of tidy shift that Jones will appreciate.

Izaia Perese

Both centres had a magnificent outing, with Perese working hard all game and linking up particularly well with Jake Gordon. The centre’s first try was from a brilliant inside ball from the scrum-half to the Wallaby, who was charging on a beautiful line.

He also scored another late on after working hard down the left flank. Outside of the brace of tries, he made 88 metres with three clean breaks and a try assist. It was the kind of outing that puts his name firmly in the Wallabies mix.

Mark Nawaqanitawase

The wing’s stock has grown tremendously over the last year, and another good shift today will have caught Jones’ eye. The electric star scored a try, beating five defenders along the way and breaking the line twice.

He was busy the whole game and looked dangerous whenever he had the ball in hand. Nawaqanitawase deserved his try, and the Waratahs will need him to continue firing as they look to revive their season.

Jake Gordon

The scrum-half missed out on Jones’ first Wallabies squad and has responded brilliantly. Gordon was influential throughout the game and kept the fringe defenders honest after playing Perese in for his try. He scored a try of his own before the break when he was wise to a loose ball and showed some impressive toe to get to the line.

Outside of that, his kicking and distribution was good, and on a whole, it was a really promising performance from the Waratah.

Michael Hooper

The Wallaby great is slowly returning to his best form after his break from the game last year. We are not seeing all he can offer yet, but a busy performance like tonight will go a long way in helping him return to his sensational self.

He carried seven times without making too many metres but showed his commitment on defence with 12 tackles and a turnover. The veteran was tireless in this clash and looks to be trending up. Jones will know that if his side is to have any chance at the World Cup in France, he will need a firing Hooper.

READ MORE: WATCH: Zach Kibirige shows amazing skills to score stunner in Western Force loss

Australia Izaia Perese Jake Gordon Lalakai Foketi Michael Hooper

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