ANALYSIS

The Wallabies keep talking about building momentum during the World Cup. It is their buzz phrase.

Against Fiji in Montpellier on Sunday, they did just that - showing that they remain alongside New Zealand and South Africa as the main threats of this tournament.

It was not the perfect performance by the Wallabies; far from it. But it was still highly satisfying, especially when their attack was given time and space to try something, whereupon they often looked menacing. They finished with seven tries but it could have been so much more if the finishing had been better.

Once again in hot, steamy conditions, the Wallabies showed off a special new midfield partnership with Berrick Barnes and Matt Giteau making it clear how much they relish being side-by-side.

The Barnes-watch was enjoyable. It was so crucial in the opening 30 minutes, when the Fijians would be at their most belligerent, that Barnes held up against opponents wanting to put him out of the game.

It required some protective twinkletoe steps at times, but Barnes was often able to evade the onslaught to again show poise in midfield, to guarantee that Australia made proper use of their possession.

Early on, Barnes was getting tossed this way and that by the Fijians. It was almost as if Barnes had suddenly walked onto the Rotor ride at Luna Park, as he found himself flung crazily towards the heavens. Eventually he was able to stand the right way up, regain his balance, and, working well in tandem with Giteau, had the Wallabies' back line purring.

It was another accomplished performance from the novice, and if this continues the injured Stephen Larkham would start to feel nervous about remaining a spectator during the World Cup. The back-up is certainly putting pressure on the main man.

What was most impressive, especially in the first half, was Australia's kicking game. This has often been the Wallabies No.1 problem. But with Barnes obviously being taught in his formative years the correct technique to kick a football, two perfectly placed drop punts in the eighth and 13th minutes helped Australia hover close to Fiji's try line.

With Barnes's right foot on song, Giteau kicking well with his left, and Chris Latham chiming in with big punts from fullback, Australia were able to control where they wanted to play the game. After that, tries were inevitable, especially with Wycliff Palu, Phil Waugh and Rocky Elsom succeeding in matching the Fijians' tenacity at the breakdown, which saw Giteau, Lote Tuqiri and Drew Mitchell given space to have fun.

Giteau was once again a standout, relishing the extra work he gets when Larkham and Stirling Mortlock are on the field, prompting him to often act as the team's second five-eighth. As a playmaker, Giteau is first rate. His goalkicking was near perfect.

Latham also showed he is as good as any with the sneaky chip kick, with one little slider succeeding in getting Drew Mitchell through for Australia's second try. It was a nice touch.

Barnes also tried to be cheeky, when just after half-time he booted a perfectly struck 35-metre field goal, his second for the tournament. Everyone knows Barnes's field-goal kicking ability could become very crucial here. After all, drop goals have won previous World Cups.