The Wallabies have hung-on to defeat Wales 33-28 at the Millennium Stadium in what was a dress rehearsal for the World Cup next year. Australia face Wales in Pool A and have taken the psychological edge with a gritty win on Saturday night.
In what was the second win on the trot for new coach Michael Cheika, the Wallabies remain undefeated in the Northern Hemisphere and have received an important boost ahead games against France, Ireland and England.
Welsh scrum-half Rhys Webb caught the Wallabies napping early, darting over for a try from dummy half to put Wales ahead 7-0.
Israel Folau had an outstanding match. With strategic support play and elegant footwork, the star fullback grabbed his first try after an offload from captain Michael Hooper to level the scores (7-7).
The Millennium Stadium is globally recognised as one of the toughest places to travel to and win. The Welsh controlled the ball well and placed plenty of pressure on the Wallabies forward pack.
It took a piece of individual brilliance from Folau to smash the Welsh momentum. He intercepted a wide cut-out ball to run 80 metres and put the Wallabies ahead (14-7).
The scoreboard was spinning as both sides continued to answer back with tries. A barnstorming bust through the back-line, and try to Wallaby centre Tevita Kurindrani was cancelled out by again as veteran Welshman Alun Whyn Jones crossed for the home side. 21-21 at half-time, the Millenium Stadium was set to deliver a big finish again.
A more consistent performance in defence from the Wallabies continuously held out the forward charge of the Welsh early in the second half.
The calm and measured boot of Bernard Foley was invaluable. He kicked back-to-back penalties to put the Wallabies up by 6 and was strategic during open play in clutch situations.
A penalty try awarded to Wales by referee Joubert against the Australian scrum close to the line made it 28-27, but the Wallabies did not back down.
After a period of 20-phases attacking the Welsh line, Foley sunk a neat drop-goal to put the visitors ahead again 28-30.
In a man-of-the-match 18-point performance, Foley kicked another penalty to push the gap out to 5.
Wales had a good chance to steal the match after centre George North stormed through the back-line, but the defensive line held, the ball was forced loose and the Wallabies claimed victory 33-28.
The Australian Wallabies earning their 10th win in a row against Wales with a gritty win on foreign soil under their new coach.
“There was always going to be a momentum swing and we knew we had to be close, we were lucky enough to be there with 8 minutes to go. We’re very proud of that effort,” commented Foley after the match.
The Wallabies will rely on his composure again against France next weekend as they look to continue the ‘new age’ of Australian rugby under coach Cheika.
