The Wallabies had their open play skills and flair to thank for this win as yet again the scrum was taken apart in an action-packed Test at Cardiff’s Millennium Stadium.
Australia were deserving winners but Wales, missing injured full-back Lee Byrne, wing Leigh Halfpenny, centre Jamie Roberts and captain Ryan Jones, can take heart from an encouraging display. They dominated the Wallabies in the scrummage, winning half-a-dozen penalties in that phase, and defended bravely at times but lacked the visitors’ cutting edge in attack.
The first half was tight as David Pocock went over for an early try and Stephen Jones landed two penalties one either side of the try to give us 6-7 at half-time.
The second half and winger James O’Connor set up man-of-the-match
and Ben Alexander for two more Aussie tries. Wales Richard Rees touched down with 10 minutes left to make it 16-22 but O’Connor’s second penalty sealed it. Giving us the final score of:
Wales 16-25 Australia
Scorers
Wales
Try: R Rees Con: Biggar Pens: Jones (3)
Australia
Tries: Pocock, Beale, Alexander Cons: O’Connor (2) Pens: O’Connor (2)
Teams
Wales: Hook, Harries, Shanklin (Czekaj 76), Bishop, Shane Williams, Stephen Jones (Biggar 65), Phillips (Richie Rees 65), Jenkins (James 71), Matthew Rees (Bennett 75), Adam Jones, Davies, Alun Wyn Jones (Deiniol Jones 74), Lydiate, Warburton (Martyn Williams 65), Thomas.
Australia: Beale, O’Connor, Ashley-Cooper, Giteau (Barnes 67), Mitchell, Cooper, Genia (Burgess 74), Robinson, Saia Faingaa (Edmonds 54), Alexander (Slipper 62), Chisholm (Mumm 75), Sharpe, Elsom, Pocock, McCalman.
Replacements not used: Brown, Turner.
Att: 70,000
Referee: Wayne Barnes (ENG)
Touch judges: Chris Pollock (NZL) & Peter Allan (SCO)
TV: Graham Hughes (ENG)