(AFP via Getty Images)
Wales tackle Australia in a key game to round of both countries’ Autumn Nations Series with victory.
The Principality Stadium welcomes a wounded Wallabies, who were overpowered in a second half at Twickenham last week, despite showing fight and spirit early on against England.
While the Welsh were handed a real scare by 14-man Fiji last weekend, but held firm to grind out a 38-23 victory, but a more polished performance here is on the agenda for Wayne Pivac, who remains upbeat despite his squad hit by injuries.
So this will be a true test of the Welsh depth, with up to 15 absentees, including several British and Irish Lions, and the result and performance will likely to dictate the atmosphere heading into 2022 after being humbled by New Zealand before pushing South Africa close and surviving against Fiji.
“We have lost senior guys that would hurt any side,” Pivac said. “But it is great opportunities for guys, and some have come in and done very, very well. That has been a massive positive. To come up against the world champions (South Africa) in conditions that suited them, that was a huge effort from our players, particularly the forward pack, who are probably the most damaged in terms of loss of experience. And then to turn around and play that game against Fiji, which was always a very difficult and physical opponent. A win is what we are after, and I think a win would make it successful.”
Follow live updates, build-up, analysis and reaction from the Principality Stadium in a compelling match-up – PLUS the conclusion of the action at Twickenham as England host South Africa:
HALF TIME: Wales 16-13 Australia
Wales will be looking to improve after the break. They haven’t been able to make use of their man advantage so far.
Australia will be fairly happy with how they’ve played – the red card and yellow card aside.
(AFP via Getty Images)
(AFP via Getty Images)
Jamie Braidwood20 November 2021 18:29
HALF TIME: Wales 16-13 Australia
40 mins: Wales were unable to work anything from the lineout, which was just outside the Australia 22, and in the end it was the visitors who threatened to break after turning it over.
Wright kicks down field and goes for the chase but Biggar is there to pick up and boot into touch to bring the half to a close.
It’s been scrappy, but Wales lead.
Jamie Braidwood20 November 2021 18:26
Wales 16-13 Australia
39 mins: Josh Adams looks to be clear after picking up a loose ball before he is dragged back by his collar Tom Wright – that’s a penalty.
From the advantage, Wales looked to work it wide and space opened up after a fine cutting pass from Halaholo.
They eventually turn it over so it comes back to the original penalty.
Jamie Braidwood20 November 2021 18:22
Wales 16-13 Australia (Biggar pen 38)
Biggar kicks Wales in front shortly before half time with a simple penalty from in front of the posts. Good work from Tomas Francis, there, to win the penalty following Halaholo’s initial run.
Jamie Braidwood20 November 2021 18:19
Wales 13-13 Australia
37 mins: Uilisi Halaholo drops a lovely couple of shoulders to beat Iktiau and then Beale in midfield – that got some Wales fans up off their seats.
The play is then halted after Tupou takes a knock – and his day looks done.
Jamie Braidwood20 November 2021 18:18
Wales 13-13 Australia
35 mins: After an exchange of kicks, O’Connor goes for touch from inside his half but it doesn’t quite run far enough. It goes back for a Wales scrum inside their half.
Jamie Braidwood20 November 2021 18:15
Wales 13-13 Australia
33 mins: Lots going on here. Kellaway clatters into Adams when trying to claim a high ball, and from the play that followed, Australia worked the ball into a couple of promising positions through Tupou, but it’s Wales who win the penalty.
Kellaway’s day is over and he picked up a knock, and Beale returns to the pitch as Australia go back up to 14.
Jamie Braidwood20 November 2021 18:13
Wales 13-13 Australia
32 mins: Big turnover from Australia in the scrum. Wales had the Wallabies in the corner following the restart and the visitors were smart to slow things down at the set-piece. Australia then win the penalty from the scrum, as tempers flare between the two packs, and White clears.
Jamie Braidwood20 November 2021 18:09
Wales 13-13 Australia (O’Connor pen 28’)
Australia, still playing with 13, look to keep the ball and build the phases and eventually win the penalty in the Wales half.
O’Connor levels the scores from in front of the posts.
Jamie Braidwood20 November 2021 18:07
TRY! Wales 13-10 Australia (ELIAS 23’)
Wales take the lead, and it’s a fine move from the lineout immediately after Beale’s yellow card! Tomos Williams spins away from the ruck and times his pass to his outside to perfection. Ryan Elias, who scored two tries against Fiji last weekend, is there to cross over in the corner.
Biggar then nails a brilliant conversion from the touchline.
Jamie Braidwood20 November 2021 18:01
