Poor Skrela kicking hands win to Australia
David Skrela had a nightmare night for France
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Saturday, 22, Nov 2008 10:10
Australia claimed a fine 18-13 win over France this evening, but they were helped along the way by French fly-half David Skrela.
The Aussies scored two tries through Peter Hynes and Stephen Moore while France got a penalty try. But the real difference between the two teams was Skrela, who missed five penalties which proved costly in the end.
France started the better side and their powerful forwards made a number of surging runs towards the Wallabies try-line. But the home side were unable to put crucial points on the board as David Skrela missed a 30 metre penalty and also a simple drop-goal attempt from in front of the posts.
Australia slowly started to get a foothold in the game and had a chance to take the lead, but captain Stirling Mortlock missed a long-range penalty attempt. The visitors did take the lead seven minutes later when Matt Giteau converted a penalty.
The successful penalty lifted the Aussies and they enjoyed more of the possession towards the end of the half and got a deserved try. Wing Adam Ashley-Cooper made the break on the right-wing and Australia recycled the ball well and worked the ball to Moore who bundled over for the try. Giteau added the extras to give his side a 10-0 lead.
Fly-half Skrela was having a nightmare game for the French and missed to more penalties in the half and was jeered by his own fans.
France were handed a reprieve when Australia were penalised for infringing in the scrum on the try-line and referee Criag Joubert decided to award the French a penalty try. Skrela added the conversion to make the score 10-7 to Australia.
France started the stronger in the second half and found themselves in the lead when first Skrela finally managed to convert a penalty and then Toulouse full-back Maxime Medard kicked a drop-goal.
But Australia regained the lead moments later when Hynes dived in the corner to score. Giteau missed the conversion, but added a late penalty to secure the win for Australia.
France still had chances to win the game but Skrela's disastrous night continued as he missed two more penalties and was sin-binned for a high tackle.