Wales fend off Australian challenge

Posted: 12:11 am, September 30, 2019 by admin

TOKYO, SeptEMBER 29

Wales withstood a furious Australian comeback to secure a 29-25 win in an epic Pool D encounter in Tokyo today to record their first win over the Wallabies at the Rugby World Cup since 1987 and take a major step towards the quarterfinals.

In 80 minutes of gripping drama at Tokyo Stadium, the Six Nations champions built up a 26-8 lead soon after halftime after tries from Hadleigh Parkes and Gareth Davies and drop goals from Dan Biggar and his flyhalf replacement Rhys Patchell.

Australia, fired by their replacement flyhalf Matt To’omua, hit back with second-half tries from Dane Haylett-Petty and captain Michael Hooper and came within a point at 26-25 late in the match.

The Welsh held on, though, and Patchell, who contributed 14 points from the boot, steered them home to only a second win in their last 15 matches against Australia and potentially an easier path through the knockout stages.

“I’m pretty happy with the character we showed in the second half,” said Wales captain Alun Wyn Jones.

Georgia brings Uruguay down

Kumagaya: Georgia brought Uruguay back down to earth with a bump when they ran in five tries for a 33-7 bonus point victory in the Pool D clash at a sun-bathed Kumagaya Rugby Stadium

Uruguay’s victory over Fiji on Wednesday was the first upset of the tournament but Los Teros were unable to reproduce enough of the sparkling rugby.

Wales fend off Australian challenge

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