Wallabies off to winning start at World Cup to snap losing streak

Donaldson, 24, making just his fourth Test appearance, ensured former England coach Jones ended his poor run of results since returning as boss in January and started their Pool C campaign on a positive note.

Flanker Luka Ivanishvili had given Georgia hopes of a late comeback with a second-half try but the Lelos failed to claim a sixth victory in the competition.

Former England coach Jones brought back winger Marika Korobeite and inside centre Samu Kerevi into his side after injury absences.

The two-time World Cup winners opened the scoring after less than two minutes as Kerevi's midfield partner Jordan Petaia crashed over in front of more than 75,000 spectators in Paris.

Donaldson missed the conversion, having been handed the goal-kicking duties from fly-half Carter Gordon, who missed 10 points from the tee in last month's warm-up loss to France, in the same ground.

Gordon's negative experience at the Stade de France continued five minutes into this game as he was penalised for a dangerous tackle after having had his clearance kick charged down and opposition fly-half Luka Matkava cut the deficit to 5-3.

A winning start for @Wallabies ????#RWC2023 | #AUSvGEO pic.twitter.com/dp56b5zGrw

Four minutes after crossing, 23-year-old Petaia turned provider as his subtle offload set up winger Mark Nawaqanitawase.

Donaldson made up for his earlier error to make it 18-3 with a conversion and two penalties before the first water break of the game, with the temperature reaching 35 degrees Celsius (95 degrees Fahrenheit).

Petaia proved his worth in defence after 22 minutes with a dominant tackle on Georgia winger Miriani Modebadze before Donaldson made it 21-3 after half an hour with a fourth three-pointer.

With five minutes of the half