Australia (13) 25
Tries: Tupou, Daugunu, Wright Cons: Lolesio (2), Lynagh Pens: Lolesio (2)
Wales (10) 16
Tries: Penalty try Cons: Thomas Pens: Thomas (3)
Tries from Taniela Tupou, Filipo Daugunu and Tom Wright gave new head coach Joe Smidt his first win in charge of the Wallabies despite Wales responding with a penalty score, whist the boot of reliable fly-half Ben Thomas kept Wales in the contest throughout.
It would be flashes of positive moments for the Welsh but they would fall short and look like a side very much in transition despite playing against an opponent very much on a rebuild themselves after a World Cup to forget.
For the Welsh, however, ultimately it would be defeat as an Australia side showing seven debutants would prove too strong on the day.
Wales had come into the game looking to end a seven-match losing streak but to do that they would have to do something they had not done in over half a century – win in Australia. It would be 1969 since the last victory in the southern hemisphere.
Head coach Warren Gatland would pick a youthful lineup for the contest with a debut handed to wing Josh Hathaway, whilst front-row Archie Griffin would be handed a first start and Cardiff utility man Ben Thomas would be given a chance at 10.
The Kiwi would welcome the return of his Gallagher Premiership contingent as Tommy Reffell would come back in on the flank and Exeter front-row pairing Dafydd Jenkins and Christ Tshiunza would strengthen the forward line as six changes would be made from the 41-13 defeat to South Africa a fortnight ago.
Dragons Aaron Wainwright would win his 50th cap for Wales. Credit: WRU
In a hard-fought but error-strewn first 40, Australia would enjoy the better start as they would dominate physically and would punish the ill-disciplined visitors into early mistakes.
Fly-half Noah Lolesio setting the tone by slotting a penalty in the second minute after Wales skipper Dewi Lake would be punished for a no-hands tackle on experienced Aussie prop James Slipper.
Errors would continue, and after a series of phases, Australia would score the game’s first try. The intimidating presence of giant prop Tupou powering over from close range.
Wales would lose Ospreys Gareth Thomas to the sin bin but would remain in the fight. Galvanised with 14 men they would strike back as the Wallabies play would become sloppy.
Then moments after wing Rio Dyer had thought he had given his side the lead only to be denied by a knock-on, Wales would be awarded a penalty try.
Australia would struggle to deal with the Welsh driving maul and after several infringements Gatland’s side would be awarded the points to the fury of Aussie coach Schmidt who would see flanker Fraser McReight join Thomas in the bin.
Cardiff’s Ben Thomas would have a solid game for Wales kicking 11 points
With renewed confidence and momentum within the Welsh side, the half would finish with just three points in the contest as Gatland’s side would look sharp in defence to frustrate their opponents.
Wales would start well in the second period and would level the scoreline through the boot of Thomas, but Australia would regain their scoreboard advantage scoring their second try of the afternoon minutes later as momentum would swing once more.
Fijian-born wing Daugunu finding a gap out wide after profiting from a slick Australia passing routine to just about slide into the corner under pressure from Mason Grady.
Wales’ driving maul would then almost manage to get Gatland’s side back in the game as Australia would fail to deal with the counter weapon that would be the Welsh set-piece. Replacement James Botham, however, would be denied by TMO despite causing panic in the Wallabies defence finding his way over the line. Tshiunza the guilty party and would be penalised for obstruction in the build-up much to the disbelief of his coach.
Thomas brought Wales back to two points with a confident kick from range but it would be Australia who would strike the killer blow to earn the victory with Wright’s individual brilliance sealing the win.
The Brumbies wing skillfully passing Wales replacement centre Nick Tompkins before dodging Grady to saunter over the try line.
Replacement fly-half Sam Costelow almost set up Hathaway for a debutant score with an innovative chipped pass as the Welsh looked to reduce their arrears late. It though would not be Wales’ day despite an encouraging showing with Australia’s rebuild under Schmidt beginning with a victory.
Australia XV:
Tom Wright; Andrew Kellaway, Josh Flook, Hunter Paisami, Filipo Daugunu; Noah Lolesio, Jake Gordon: James Slipper, Matt Faessler, Taniela Tupou, Jeremy Williams, Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, Liam Wright (capt), Fraser McReight, Rob Valetini.
Replacements:
Billy Pollard, Isaac Kailea, Allan Alaalatoa, Angus Blyth, Charlie Cale, Tate McDermott, Tom Lynagh, Dylan Pietsch.
Wales XV:
Liam Williams; Josh Hathaway, Owen Watkin, Mason Grady, Rio Dyer; Ben Thomas, Ellis Bevan; Gareth Thomas, Dewi Lake (capt), Archie Griffin, Christ Tshiunza, Dafydd Jenkins, Taine Plumtree, Tommy Reffell, Aaron Wainwright.
Replacements:
Evan Lloyd, Kemsley Mathias, Harri O’Connor, Cory Hill, James Botham, Kieran Hardy, Sam Costelow, Nick Tompkins.
[Lead image: Welsh Rugby Union]
