- The Wallabies secured a hard-fought 36-28 victory over Wales in Melbourne
- Australia claimed back-to-back wins for the first time since 2021
- The Wallabies scored a stunning 100m try that brought fans to their feet
The Wallabies have claimed back-to-back wins for the first time since 2021, beating Wales 36-28 in heavy rain at Melbourne’s AAMI Park.
Continuing a positive start to the Joe Schmidt era, Australia stormed off the field to lead 17-0 after 25 minutes on Saturday night but had to withstand a fightback fuelled by inspirational Welsh captain Dewi Lake.
Leading 23-14 at half-time, the Wallabies’ advantage was cut to just two points when Welsh winger Liam Williams exposed poor defending to score early in the second half.
But Brumbies star Allan Alaalatoa provided some spark off the bench, scoring his first international try to give the Wallabies some breathing room at 28-21.
A terrible ball-handling error that led to winger Filipo Daugunu’s second try looked to have sealed the result for the Wallabies in the 67th minute.
But Rio Dyer capitalised on a smothered kick from Nic White to give Wales one last chance to secure their first win against the Wallabies in Australia since 1969.
The hosts scored a penalty to thwart Wales’ best efforts, backing up their 25-16 win in Sydney last week.
“Some of the attempts were spectacular and were achieved thanks to really good skill,” Schmidt said.
Wallabies winger Filipo Daugunu (pictured) scored two stunning tries at AAMI Park
‘I’m relieved to have achieved a couple of results because they will help build confidence in the players.
‘I’m also delighted with the group of men who are really trying to commit to what we’re trying to achieve.
“It’s good to have clear things to work on.”
The Welsh, who crushed the Wallabies at last year’s World Cup to continue the nightmare led by Eddie Jones, suffered their ninth consecutive defeat.
“I’m sure this team will be a very good team,” said Wales manager Warren Gatland.
‘I can see the signs out there.
‘I’ve been clear that we’ll probably have to go through a bit of pain while we’re in that process to get those players more experience.
“I can promise you that this will be a very good team.”
The Wallabies have claimed back-to-back wins for the first time since 2021
The scoring could not have opened in a better way, with Andrew Kellaway’s shot setting the stage for a spectacular run by flanker Fraser McReight.
The Queensland Reds star ran almost the entire length of the pitch before passing the ball to Filipo Daugunu for a superb try.
Equally entertaining was the effort from scrum-half Jake Gordon, who picked up a loose ball and burst through the Wales defence in the 24th minute.
Wallabies second-row Lukhan Salakaia-Loto was sent to the penalty box for a high hit on Wales prop Archie Griffin, who was taken off for a head injury assessment.
Melbourne-born flanker Rob Valetini put in a strong performance in front of his home fans to be named the Wallabies’ man of the match.
Man Mountain Lake were all over it, with the hooker crossing twice in the first half, including a rolling maul just before the break.
The Wallabies return to Sydney to face Georgia (who beat Eddie Jones’ Japan this week) next Saturday night, their final test before their Rugby Championship campaign begins against world champions South Africa at Brisbane’s Suncorp Stadium on August 10.
