Try-scorers: Scott Higginbotham and Will Genia both touched down
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Australia bounced back from their shock loss to Scotland with a morale-boosting 27-19 win over Wales at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane on Saturday.
What a difference four days makes, as the hosts dug deep to prove their doubters wrong and take a 1-0 lead in the series against this year's Six Nations Grand Slam champions.
Wales, who at one stage trailed by fourteen points (20-6), managed to claw their way back into the match and cut the deficit to one (20-19) in an absorbing encounter.
But a try by centre Pat McCabe in the 67th minute proved to be the killer blow as the Welsh slumped to their fifth straight defeat to Australia.
The Wallabies' win takes the heat off under-pressure coach Robbie Deans, whose side rebounded impressively from Tuesday's Scottish disaster with an enterprising ball-in-hand game plan at their Brisbane fortress.
Wales - desperate to end a 43-year drought Down Under - were forced to play catch-up rugby throughout, and it all started when Berrick Barnes opened the scoring with a straightforward penalty kick in the ninth minute.
Australia looked to have created a certain try when Rob Horne darted to the left, but Alex Cuthbert - outstanding for the visitors - prevented the scoring pass with a crucial tackle.
However, just moments later the Wallabies crossed following a series of drives from their forwards that ended with number eight Scott Higginbotham crashing over for his first Test try.
Barnes added the extras and Australia led 10-0 after 16 minutes.
Wales finally got themselves on the scoreboard courtesy of a Leigh Halfpenny, but the men in red were struggling to find any momentum against a Wallabies outfit playing with their tails up.
The tourists then suffered a major blow on the half-hour mark when destructive winger George North was replaced with a quad injury to put him in doubt for next week's second Test in Melbourne.
Trailing 10-3 at half-time, any thoughts of a second-half respite by Australia was extinguished immediately by Will Genia who needed less than a minute after the break to grab his team's second try.
The Wallaby scrum-half exploited space expertly and then effected an outrageous side-step to negotiate the last line of defence. The finish was a moment of individual brilliance and highlighted Genia's running threat as he dived over for the converted try to extend Australia's lead even further (17-3).
Another Halfpenny penalty was then cancelled out by a Barnes drop-goal, but Halfpenny again nudged Wales closer with a third penalty (20-9).
As the game went on, it was evident that the hosts began to tire in the second half and were not as effective at controlling the ball at close quarters. And as the game grew looser, Wales came into their own.
Ashley Beck replaced centre Scott Williams and with his first touch of the ball, put Cuthbert over for his fourth Test try. Halfpenny converted and added an excellent penalty from out wide to cut the deficit to 20-19 on 63 minutes.
Wales were eying a remarkable turnaround, but Australia showed their clinical edge when they needed it most. Genia was again the creator, picking his pass to McCabe who crashed over with thirteen minutes remaining.
Barnes converted and Australia were once again eight points ahead.
Twice Cuthbert threatened to break clear for a second try that Wales desperately needed, but was denied as Australia recovered to hold out for victory.
Man of the match: Alex Cuthbert was Wales' standout player,, while David Pocock, Scott Higginbotham, Berrick Barnes and Adam Ashley-Cooper all made significant contributions for Australia. But it doesn't take a rocket scientist to figure out who gets our vote - Will Genia take a bow. Apart from his try, Genia looked every bit the general in the number nine position.
Moment of the match: Genia's try... pure magic.
Villain of the match: No malice to report!
The scorers:
For Australia:
Tries: Higginbotham, Genia, McCabe
Cons: Barnes 3
Pens: Barnes
Drop: Barnes
For Wales:
Try: Cuthbert
Con: Halfpenny
Pen: Halfpenny 4
Australia: 15 Adam Ashley-Cooper, 14 Cooper Vuna, 13 Rob Horne, 12 Pat McCabe, 11 Digby Ioane, 10 Berrick Barnes, 9 Will Genia, 8 Wycliff Palu , 7 David Pocock (c), 6 Scott Higginbotham, 5 Nathan Sharpe, 4 Rob Simmons , 3 Sekope Kepu, 2 Tatafu Polota-Nau, 1 Benn Robinson.
Replacements: 16 Stephen Moore, 17 Ben Alexander, Dave Dennis, 18 Michael Hooper, 19 Nic White, 20 Anthony Fainga'a, 21 Mike Harris.
Wales: 15 Leigh Halfpenny, 14 Alex Cuthbert, 13 Jonathan Davies, 12 Scott Williams, 11 George North, 10 Rhys Priestland, 9 Mike Phillips, 8 Toby Faletau, 7 Sam Warburton (c), 6 Dan Lydiate, 5 Luke Charteris, 4 Bradley Davies, 3 Adam Jones, 2 Ken Owens, 1 Gethin Jenkins.
Replacements: 16 Matthew Rees, 17 Paul James, 18 Alun Wyn Jones, 19 Ryan Jones, 20 Lloyd Williams, 21 James Hook, 22 Ashley Beck.
Referee: Craig Joubert (South Africa)
Comments
4rugby says...
@Dafydd29 Joubert biased wtf did not see any SA team on the field.
Posted 10:56 10th June 2012
bazilldon says...
@Ramage. Yes Wales lost and with a much better team, however, on this forum I thought your attack on others for expressing their views was uncalled for. Sure if you disagree, put forward a coherent and lucid argument forward but try to grow up with your retort. Now as for Wales, I said quite clearly that the better team won, however, I agreed that Joubert wasn't consistent with his calls. Joubert isn't the best at the moment, but again, that's just my opinion but you don't see me slating him.
So no, the attitude isn't pathetic if there's an opinion to be had, it was your retort that was pathetic. Ironically I'm being drawn into the same level of immaturity over this, which reminds me of the old saying:
"....careful arguing with idiots, they will drag you down to their level and beat you with experience"
Posted 10:54 10th June 2012
Ramage says...
@Trinuts in your usual manner of point scoring your comment on what I said is absolute crap. If you read it again one it was a point for all of the readers who wonder why there is a gulf between NH and SH teams and I suggested it was because of the pace Super Rugby is played this after watching both games and before the SA game. I also praised the Wallabies for their comeback at no stage did I even mention the NZ team as part of that post. So tell me where am I gloating as you claim. I was referring to both Australia and NZ (SH) and the Super 15 which is often ridiculed by NH supporters. I really despair at times at your lack of intelligence but oh well we know you come from Queensland. Your are always trying the smart comment and put down. If you weren't such a w....r then I might actually think you were a serious rugby supporter. Finally I will post my comments where I like and will only bow to any reprimand from the editor and certainly not from you,
Posted 10:39 10th June 2012
Ramage says...
@ anotherfarce read what your level headed country man GoWalesGo and then go figure out what I meant. Surely it is obvious even for you.
Posted 10:18 10th June 2012
anotherfarce says...
@Ramage
The Welsh just knocked over your unbeatable baby blacks, in the U/20 JWC apparently never beaten in this comp. having watched the match, the points margin was only 3, but they didnt handle the welsh forward pack physicality who monstered them. Yes the conditions were wet & boggy, but I forgot it never rains in NZ.
The Irish U/20s ran amok over the boks.
England are also looking very threatening. While Australia choked to Argentina.
Except for Argentina all the others are NH sides so give that nonsense a rest.
A lot of these fellas also play in the S15 so whats the go??????
Posted 10:10 10th June 2012
anotherfarce says...
@pierredelot1
When you say play the ref & infringing allowed to flow. Oz players off their feet at the breakdown lying over the ball carrier. Wales made smaller misdemeanors but were instantly blown up, may I add they were for the most part in an attacking position when this happened.
Some of those who post on here have some idea about the game, most of the others just see players running back and forth & the scoreboard & have no clue.
So Pierr I would agree in playing the ref to a degree but he still has to be consistent for both teams otherwise your comment makes no sense.
I watched the England/SA game later on in the evening which was a really good game. The ref was fair & even handed, and the result was the result, but sometimes you have to wonder whether they are on the take or gambling is involved because Joubert was really really bad.
Posted 08:25 10th June 2012
Fatflanker says...
I'm surprised Shaun Edwards is himself surprised that Pocock was allowed to stand up after the tackle and then contest for the ball - something he does week in and week out. This is a commendably well prepared Welsh team after all. Blaming Joubert is a bit pathetic really.
Posted 08:19 10th June 2012
powerplay says...
I thought North played the best for Wales, until he went off. I particularly like his washing-machine-spin-out tackles move, worked a charm before he got the corked leg!
Posted 08:08 10th June 2012
anotherfarce says...
@Ramage
"When you say don't insult our intelligence"
Who were you refering to???????????
Posted 07:55 10th June 2012
jonesy2 says...
off one training session, missing 4 of the best players in the world, with a 4 day turnaround coming off a 2 day turnaround and still beat the six nations best side easily. enough said. when will you fools learn.
Posted 07:18 10th June 2012
PontySurrey says...
Wales were seriously under-cooked. I expect a much better performance in the second test. But worried about Priestland - he seems to lack confidence and looked fragile. Genia absolutely amazing.
Posted 07:15 10th June 2012
GoWalesGo says...
anotherfarce
... oh shut up you, your giving Welsh fans a bad name.
We were totally outplayed in that match and we're very lucky to be so close at times.
Posted 07:04 10th June 2012
Ramage says...
@Bazilldon does the truth hurt you that much. As Mayhem said Wales talked the talk but failed to walk apart from that part of the second half when they fought back only to bottle it both on attack and defence in the final part of the game. Yes they have the chance to go away and sort out the problems they had but to blame it on the ref is patently ridiculous and really is the ploy of sore losers. Jpoubert is a good and capable referee he is not reffing the second test but will return for the third. So lets see what happens with Pollock in charge but ref baiters are always the same it is always the ref to blame and that attitude is pathetic. If you don't like a few home truths then stiff seems its you that lacks the problem you throw at me. Noted is your irrational attacks on others who do not agree with your views did Wales lose by chance?
Posted 05:41 10th June 2012
sandal says...
Australia deserve huge respect for backing up from Tuesday. A lot was asked of the Wallabies and they not only delivered against formidable opponents, they did so in style.
Will Genia does disappear in some games but last night he was again outstanding. That performance ought to silence his detractors in the northern hemisphere. It won't, because some people will never stop rubishing the SH, whatever happens. That kind of hostility owes more to tribalism than to the evidence of playing records and performances.
Some Aussies, however, need reminding that this is a three-test series and it is not over yet. Wales are a dangerous side and a good side.
@Ramage
I agree. The games in Brisbane and Auckland (haven't seen more than highlights yet from Durban) demonstrate (yet again) that the pace of the Super XV gives the big three of the SH an advantage against northern opponents.
Posted 03:25 10th June 2012
Sharpster says...
@damo...could've, would've, should've...DIDN'T because they simply were noy good enough and did not adapt to the ref. try again next week...
Posted 02:56 10th June 2012
Fitzy says...
A lot has been made of Genia's performance and fair enough but he can only play like that when the pack lays the platform for him.The much maligned wallabies forwards showed a lot of aggression and worked themselves to a standstill.Polota Nau had his best game in a wallabies jumper and may have just nudged in front of Stephen Moore.Even his line out throwing wasn't terrible.Forget super Cooper how's about Super Hooper - how good was his first time in a wallaby jumper albeit with limited minutes.Good signs for the Aussies with one notable exception - Cooper Vuna stuck out like a sore thumb.He's not a test winger at this moment in time
Posted 02:56 10th June 2012
blametheref says...
Think eveyone should get a grip, Wales lost a close game by 8 points to Australia at home, Australia should win at home if they are to be considered a world top ranked team, the difference between the sides was minimal and certainly no proof of excessive SH superiority as was ditto for the England v SA match, where SA were also the home side. The All Blacks apart, the rest of rugby in North and South if fairly even and competitive
Posted 02:45 10th June 2012
startledwombat says...
@anotherfarce
I followed what you were saying about the northern hemisphere teams needing the protection of the referee rather than learning how to play to the referee when they tour the southern hemisphere.
That's a nice explanation for why touring NH teams lose in the SH. But I am waiting for the other shoe to drop, as your theory only 'answers' part of the picture -
Because the SH teams also seem to win an awful lot when they go north and play under NH refs.
Posted 02:10 10th June 2012
Waz4before says...
Being fair to Wales a true assessment will come at the end of the tour & I'm looking to see if Wales can "Play the way they can"; we heard that after the 6Ns that "they didn't play the way they can but still won " & we heard it from commentators after yesterday - Wales over the past 12 months came off a string of defeats & they've only played "the way they can" against the Boks at RWC but lost, and in Dublin & won thanks to a gift of a penalty. In other games they trailed Samoa at half-time and were less than impressive against France, Australia (3 times) and in the bulk of their 6N's games albeit with flashes of brilliance in scoring some try's.
Is "the way they play' is a resolute defense, an ability to wait for and capitalize on opposition mistakes (England at Twickers, Ireland in Dublin, Scotland in Cardiff) and a brilliance in that give them an inch they can score trys from nothing as they did last night. But what else do they have or will sides work that out?
Remembering Australia were short 5 first team players due to injury, O'Conner/Horwell/Cooper alone would have made a hell of a difference and wales must measure their performance against that. The final scoreline flattered Wales, they should have behind by more at half time, their first half tactics were woeful, their "comeback" facilitated by an Australian change from close, running angles to slinging it wide' ... but when Oz reverted to type the game did & wales were snuffed out
the Australian scrum is good enough, if Wales had hoped they'd be push overs its a mistake - these guys scrummage week-in, week-out against Boks and Kiwis; its not a natural strength but capitulations ala 2-3 recent England games are rare
The hype surrounding this team has been unprecedented, admittedly not from the players themselves, but the media has them on a pedestal and many are waiting for the fall
Posted 02:08 10th June 2012
AaronC says...
I'll state it up front I'm Aussie so this may be be biased. It was a good game, the teams look evenly matched. Wales were their own worst enemy, knocking on the Aus 22 when hot on attack at least 3 times. The Wallabies showed character to bounce back after Scotland and a LOT of negative press.
I thought Wales looked jetlagged or something in the first half, very lethargic, and the Wallabies looked exhausted by the second half after playing on Tuesday (congrats to Robbie for actually using the bench effectively for once). So next weeks game should be a truer indication of where the teams are.
Random thoughts from the game: Pocock was convincingly better than Warburton, Genia is the best HB in world right now, Cuthbert looks a real talent, Welshmen should pray for rain cause Aussie teams can't play in wet conditions.
Final thought, trolls and message board hero's of all nationalities, seriously stop the 'my countries better than yours, Aussies/Saffas/Kiwis/Welshmen/etc are all idiots, the ref was blind/corrupt/stupid' crap, it makes you sound like a wanker when your team wins and idiot whinger when your team loses.
Posted 01:59 10th June 2012