Wales begun their autumn internationals with another loss to Australia at the Principality Stadium. Tries from Steff Evans and Hallam Amos, plus 11 points from the boot of Leigh Halfpenny wasn’t enough as Australia beat Wales.
Australia were clinical in the final third and tries from Tatafu Polota-Nau, Adam Coleman, Michael Hooper and Kurtley Beale (see main picture) was enough to seal victory.
Here Last Word On Rugby look at the main factors of the match, as Australia beat Wales 29-21.
Australia Continue Winning Streak at the Principality Stadium
Australia beat Wales again, despite tries from Evans on his home debut, and Hallam Amos. The visitors managed three tries in the first half with Polota-Nau, Coleman and Hooper all going over the whitewash.
It was looking good for the home team, until a surprise second half try from full back Kurtley Beale. He miraculously was able to rip the ball from Evans, before sprinting 50 metres to the line. That proved just enough to seal the victory.
WAL 21 – AUS 29. Unfortunate today, but plenty more to look forward to this Autumn | Canlyniad anffodus, ond lot i edrych ymlaen at yr hydref yma. #WALvAUS pic.twitter.com/NQAf4LhqUM
— Welsh Rugby Union ? (@WelshRugbyUnion) November 11, 2017
The loss for Wales was their 13th consecutive defeat to the Wallabies, a run stretching back nine years.
Wales’ Poor Exit Strategy Against Clinical Australia
Australia were clinical especially in the first half. Punishing Wales for not exiting well from their own 22. The three tries in the first half for Australia all came from Wales not having a solid exit strategy from kick off.
They made handling errors and judgement mistakes while giving the ball away far too cheaply in the first half, and that ultimately cost them. Coach Warren Gatland will be hoping their exit strategies will improve ahead of the coming weeks.
However Australia showed their attacking class, displaying how clinical they were. The Wallabies managed to score through Polota-Nau, thanks to an impressive driving maul from the lineout. Wales conceded far too easily and they will be disappointed with that.
A superb pass by Will Genia to second rower Adam Coleman, who ran a great line, extended the Wallabies lead. Australia head coach Michael Cheika will be happy with how clinical his side were, while also showing strong defence throughout.
Signs of an Exciting Game Plan from Wales
Despite the loss, it was a breath of fresh air for Wales fans to watch their team attempt a lovely brand of exciting rugby. With Wales playing a second playmaker at 12 in the form of Owen Williams, there was a lot of expectation on the performance and game plan. The game plan first came to fruition in the opening 40, following a good break by scrum half Gareth Davies.
Wales recycled the ball quickly and quick hands allowed them to go wide. This is where Steff Evans does what he does best, and scored with an impressive finish.
“We’ll build on this performance,” says Ken Owens post-match. #WALvAUS pic.twitter.com/gMp0fXum3a
— Welsh Rugby Union ? (@WelshRugbyUnion) November 11, 2017
The Welsh were more impressive in the second half, and were ‘huffing and puffing’ trying to breakdown a solid Wallaby defence. They finally got that second try when substitute Hallam Amos scored late on, with a highly impressive yet dubious finish. That was thanks again to good hands by the Welsh backs.
Wales showed positive signs that the attacking game plan was coming together, especially for the Evans try. Their best display came during the second half. Warren Gatland and the Welsh management – along with the fans – will be eager and excited to see how the game plan progresses in the coming weeks before they face New Zealand on November 26.
Man Of The Match – Will Genia
The Australian scrum half (pictured below) controlled the game for the Aussies throughout. Specifically, his pass for Coleman’s try was exceptional!
His all round game kept Australia ticking over, and he showed his experience and class with another fantastic performance. Duly named Man of the Match, Genia is the pivotal player for the visitors yet again.
Autumn Internationals – the Last Word with Gavin
Despite the loss, there were a lot of positives for Wales to take into the rest of the Autumn Internationals in the coming weeks. The new game plan imposed by Warren Gatland and his team, will excite every Welsh fan going forward.
Wales were excellent in the second half but their inability to exit efficiently from their 22 in the first half, ultimately cost them. Meanwhile Michael Cheika will be highly impressed with how his side defended and how clinical they were in the final third.
Both teams will be hoping to take the positives into the rest of their fixtures. This starts with Georgia and England respectively next weekend.
Main image credit:
Embed from Getty Images
