Defensive masterclass gives Australia win over Wales

Updated 11/10/2015 at 00:01 GMT

World Cup, Pool A, Twickenham – Australia 15 (Pens: Foley 5) Wales 6 (Pens: Biggar 2)

Australia's hooker Stephen Moore (L) celebrates with Australia's hooker Tatafu Polota-Nau (R) after winning a Pool A match of the 2015 Rugby World Cup between Wales and Australia at Twickenham Stadium, southwest London, on October 10, 2015

Image credit: AFP

Australia survived an intense period of Welsh pressure with only 13 men on the pitch to notch their 11th successive win in games between the sides to top Pool A. They now march on to face Scotland in the quarter-finals after winning all of their group matches.

The Wallabies took a narrow 9-6 lead into the break after a tense opening half and extended through the reliable boot of Bernard Foley.

But the momentum looked to have shifted decisively in the favour of Wales after first Will Genia then Dean Mumm were sin-binned within three minutes of one another.

Guinness Women's Six Nations

England storm to whitewash victory against Scotland in front of record crowd

13/04/2024 at 21:34

For over ten minutes, Wales threw everything against the 13 men of Australia but although both Toby Faletau and George North went close, the Wallabies defence held firm in one of the most heroic efforts in the history of the tournament.

Foley hammered the final nail in the coffin with a further penalty which means that Australia now face Scotland in the quarter final whilst Wales face a tougher ask against South Africa.

Wales' flanker and captain Sam Warburton (R) jumps for the ball with Australia's lock Kane Douglas during a Pool A match of the 2015 Rugby World Cup between Wales and Australia at Twickenham Stadium, southwest London, on October 10, 2015

Image credit: AFP

TALKING POINT

That heroic defensive effort. Holding out with 13 men for almost ten minutes was a wonderful performance.

MATCH IN A TWEET

Wales' fly half Dan Biggar (R) is tackled by Australia's flanker Sean McMahon during a Pool A match of the 2015 Rugby World Cup between Wales and Australia at Twickenham Stadium, southwest London, on October 10, 2015

Image credit: AFP

KEY MOMENTS

[MATCHCAST: Full scoring summary and live commentary]

5’ – AUSTRALIA 0-3 WALES – PENALTY: Dan Biggar gives Wales the lead after an intense spell of possession.

24’ – AUSTRALIA 3-3 WALES – PENALTY: Bernard Foley levels matters.

31’ – AUSTRALIA 6-3 WALES – PENALTY: Wales penalised for going off their feet and Foley does the rest.

33’ – AUSTRALIA 6-6 WALES – PENALTY: Biggar levels it up again after Australia go in at the side.

36’ – AUSTRALIA 9-6 WALES – PENALTY: Foley punishes indiscipline from Faletau with another penalty.

50’ – AUSTRALIA 12-6 WALES – PENALTY: Another three points punishes Wales.

57’ – YELLOW CARD GENIA: He is sent to the bin for not retreating ten.

60’ – YELLOW CARD MUMM: Now he goes to the bin for taking his man in the air.

72’ – AUSTRALIA 15-6 WALES – PENALTY: Wales caught offside and Foley does the rest.

Wales' centre George North (R) is tackled by Australia's full-back Israel Folau during a Pool A match of the 2015 Rugby World Cup between Wales and Australia at Twickenham Stadium, southwest London, on October 10, 2015

Image credit: AFP

Guinness Women's Six Nations

England keep title defence on track with dominant Wales win, France overcome stubborn Scotland

30/03/2024 at 19:45

Guinness Women's Six Nations

Aldcroft to hit 50 caps as England make seven changes for Wales clash

28/03/2024 at 20:09

Guinness Women's Six Nations

Scotland end 20-year wait with historic win in Wales, France hold off Ireland

23/03/2024 at 20:41

Join 3M+ users on app

Stay up to date with the latest news, results and live sports

Download

Scan me