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 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.
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.
TALKING POINT
That heroic defensive effort. Holding out with 13 men for almost ten minutes was a wonderful performance.
MATCH IN A TWEET
KEY MOMENTS
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.
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