Australia got their defence of the Webb Ellis Cup off to a winning start against Argentina on Friday night, a record Rugby World Cup crowd witnessing a 24-8 victory to the Host Nation.
Wallaby captain George Gregan conceded his side produced a somewhat ‘scratchy performance’, but in the heady atmosphere of a RWC opening match was happy with their accomplishment.
“I'm happy [we] got away with a win...we had to work hard for it. There was a little bit of rust there as we haven't played together since August," said the scrum half.
And whilst the Wallabies were certainly aided by the huge crowd of 81,350 at Telstra Stadium, the captain failed to hear the cries of Waltzing Matilda sung throughout the match by the largely green and gold throng.
"To be honest I didn't hear them [the crowd] singing Waltzing Matilda, but I definitely heard the crowd singing the national anthem which was great," he said.
Lyons and Sailor head the attack
Whilst the match saw the Wallabies put on a strong defensive performance that subdued the fancied Pumas pack, it was the strong attacking display by number 8 David Lyons in the centre of the field, and dangerous line breaks in equal measure by wing Wendell Sailor that assured territorial advantage.
Sailor paid respect to his blue and white opponents on the night and, though clearly content with having scored the opening try of the RWC, the big wing felt he had work to do.
"I'm happy with that bit...but I did get beaten on the outside [when Argentina scored] and as a winger you don't like that," said Sailor.
Pumas back to the drawing board
For the Pumas crucial mistakes in the lineout and four out of five missed penalty attempts by goal kicker Felipe Contepomi will give their coach Marcelo Loffreda plenty to think about before their next match against Namibia.
"In the last game he was a good kicker, but in this match he wasn't accurate at all, unfortunately. They were very difficult kicks, from difficult angles," said coach Loffreda.
"In the second half we improved in the scrum but it wasn't enough to make positive impact. Australia was very good in defence and they dominated us."
According to Argentine lock Fernandez Lobbe, the lineout will be looked at for their upcoming match next Tuesday, 14 October.
"There was no synchronising between the jumpers, and some lineout balls came in crooked. The only thing we have to do is keep practising for the Namibia match," assured Lobbe.
Giffin injury a concern
The Wallabies have a week's break, taking on Romania next Saturday 22 October. All eyes will be on injured vice captain David Giffin, who appeared to be knocked unconscious in the match. Giffin will not be considered for selection for the Romania game.
Speaking after the match, coach Eddie Jones said the second row was regaining his senses after falling heavily on his head and the team were awaiting official word from the team doctor.
"He's regained consciousness and everything's moving. There's no structural damage to the spine,” said a concerned Jones.
Giffin had breakfast with the team this morning after spending some time in hospital and will be monitored closely over the next week.
Opening Ceremony ignites the crowd
Though the injury to Giffin was the major worry to the Wallaby squad, all talk was on the Opening Ceremony that preceded the match.
Over 1,700 cast and 500 crew dazzled the crowd, but it was the formation of 711 school kids in the shape of a giant rugby player that clearly ignited the Stadium. According to Director of Ceremonies Andrew Walsh, this was the piece-de-resistance of the Tournament show.
"I'd like people to remember the unique quality of the Australian culture, the slightly quirky nature of it. I also think people will remember the music and the animations, especially the animated rugby figure.
"There were two main themes: the first [was] a celebration of rugby and the second a celebration of Australian culture; a culture that perhaps is not so often seen, the rich and diverse culture."
Australia take on Romania in Brisbane next Saturday, whilst Argentina will have three days before their all important second match against Namibia in Gosford on Tuesday.