Player ratings: Premier poacher
They may not have earned a crucial bonus point, but they produced a performance that said they will be a real force in the play-offs.
And it was the double-barrel breakdown attack of David Pocock and Michael Hooper that was key in the three tries to one win.
Jan de Koning rates the Australian players!
15 Israel Folau:
As always he was a massive threat with ball in hand. However, a few of turnovers spoilt an otherwise great performance.
6/10
14 Adam Ashley-Cooper:
The rock in the Wallaby backline – strong with ball in hand, solid on defence and only one turnover.
7/10
13 Tevita Kuridrani:
Power personified although he conceded a penalty and was then also yellow-carded late in the game.
5/10
12 Matt Giteau:
The creative masterpiece in a very dangerous Australian backline. He doesn't so a lot of flash stuff, but makes other players look very flashy.
8/10
11 Rob Horne:
Had limited opportunities on attack, but was flawless on defence.
6/10
10 Bernard Foley:
He wasn't flawless, with at least one silly penalty, but along with Giteau the creative spark in the Aussie backline.
7/10
9 Will Genia:
Showed flashes of his best form, but was mostly a link and also had a couple of missed tackles. Seemed to hide on defence at times.
6/10
8 David Pocock:
What is there to say that hasn't already been said. Arguably the best poacher in the game and a work-rate to boot. You can forgive him his two penalties – he was just doing his job.
9/10
7 Michael Hooper:
Teamed up very well with Pocock and Australia now potentially have a double-barrel World Cup-winning weapon at the breakdown.
8/10
6 Scott Fardy:
Worked hard and did many good things, but every now and then he loses his composure.
6/10
5 Rob Simmons:
His best work was in the line-outs, but some good work at the breakdown as well.
6/10
4 Kane Douglas:
Made no major mistakes, but you got the feeling he was just cruising and doing enough to stay in the team – without attempting to make a real impact.
5/10
3 Sekope Kepu:
Made his tackles, scrummed well and had a couple of really good runs.
6/10
2 Stephen Moore (captain):
Not his usual high workrate, but nothing fault him on.
6/10
1 Scott Sio:
Continuing to grow as an international prop./
7/10
Replacements:
16 Tatafu Polota-Nau (on for Moore, 67th min):
Not enough time to be rated.
17 James Slipper (on for Sio, 56th min and concussed on the 67th min):
Not enough time to be rated.
18 Greg Holmes (on for Kepu, 56th min):
Made no impact and conceded a penalty.
4/10
19 Will Skelton (on for Douglas, 71st min):
Not enough time to be rated.
20 Dean Mumm (on for Simmons, 62nd min):
A very poor workrate.
4/10
21 Nick Phipps (on for Genia, 67th min):
Not enough time to be rated.
22 Matt Toomua (in for Foley, 78th min):
Not enough time to be rated.
23 Kurtley Beale (on for Giteau, 72nd min):
Not enough time to be rated.
