Buster Hyman
Stop thinking concorde. This is not a fuel tank damage issue.
The fairings that sustained damage are as strong as a fibreglass surfboard. IE if you were big enough and mad enough you could probably put your fist thru it not that I would advise trying.
The panels damaged are "fairings" that smooth the contour of the wing to the fuselage. Aerodynamic purposes. The damage would have added to the aircrafts drag but obviously not enough to effect reaching destination some 13 hours away.
This is an important fact as any QF 744 pilot can attest to. QF 744 fuel policy is about carrying minium fuel. So any substantial increase in drag would have resulted in a diversion for fuel.
Hot Dog I totally agree.(thats twice today) If you have burst tyres you still have to land somewhere. May as well be your destination with services informed.