Wales had World Cup lift off in Tokyo as Warren Gatland’s side claimed a famous and thrilling 29-25 win over Australia in the best game of the Japan tournament so far, writes Alex Hathaway in Tokyo.
A remarkable first half saw Warren Gatland’s side take total control through tries from Hadleigh Parkes and man of the match Gareth Davies and the boots of Dan Biggar and his replacement Rhys Patchell.
Australia’s effort had earned a try from Adam Ashley-Cooper, but they roared back into contention after the break thanks to Dane Haylett-Petty and captain Michael Hooper.
It was a thrilling watch, but Patchell’s late penalty saw Wales seal a crunch success which leaves them in pole position to top Pool D and avoid England in the quarter-finals.
Wales supporters were outnumbered by fans in green and gold, but Gatland’s men had a dream start as Biggar slotted an almost instant drop goal.
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Australia were turned over after claiming the kick-off and imprssive flanker Aaron Wainwright stole the ball. Biggar then stepped back into the pocket for a simple three points.
Biggar put a touchline penalty effort wide, but Wales had begun with a roar.
Davies intercepted and ran clear, George North and Josh Adams raced clear down the wings, and the pack won an early scrum penalty. Soon it got even better.
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With a penalty advantage, Biggar gambled and cross-kicked to the corner. How it paid off.
Parkes rose highest above the covering Haylett-Petty and Marika Koroibete to score.
Biggar nailed the touchline extras to make it 10-0 and then saw a monster drop goal effort miss.
Australia captain Hooper was lucky to escape a card for a late tackle on Biggar which was checked by the TMO. It was a big escape for the Wallabies given rugby’s disciplinary crackdown.
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With their first real attack Australia hit back. Samu Kerevi trucked the ball up the middle and when the ball was recycled, Foley cross-kicked to the wing where Ashley-Cooper had an easy finish.
Bernard Foley missed the conversion, but this was relentless, thrilling, and absorbing stuff.
Biggar stopped Kerevi from what would have been a certain try with a brutal tackle, but was forced off for a head injury assessment and replaced by Patchell.
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Foley and Patchell swapped penalties – the second of which came after Hooper was pinged for hands in the ruck. There were boos for the Australian skipper following his hit on Biggar.
Wales took control before the break. Kerevi smashed into Patchell who went high, but the Australian was harshly penalised for leading with the arm.
Hooper told referee Romain Poite Patchell was at fault for tackling high, but the Welshman kicked the goal. Then straight from the restart Davies intercepted a pass from opposite number Will Genia and raced in from 60 metres. Patchell – on for Biggar permanently – converted as Wales went to the break with a barely believable 23-8 lead.
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Wales had never scored as many points in a half against Australia and watching England coach Eddie Jones was booed when he appeared on the big screen early in the second half.
After the restart more fine rugby from Wales and star man Davies behind the scrum set the platform for a Patchell drop goal, but Australia responded with a try from Haylett-Petty with a questionable forward pass in the build-up. Matt To’omua converted as Australia shuffled their pack.
The TMO checked another possible high tackle from Josh Adams on Australia No 8 Isa Naisarani and the Wales wing escaped a sanction.
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Australia were far more threatening after the break and built up a head of steam as the mesmeric pace of the game continued.
As they had done against Fiji, the Wallabies reverted to the driving line-out and To’omua turned down kickable penalties in favour of the corner. They eventually got their rewards as a series of pick and drives close to the line saw Hooper dive over.
To’omua kicked the goal and Australia were now only four points behind. The relentless pace of the game and sapping heat had taken its toll.
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Both sides unloaded their bench and when Australia won a scrum penalty To’omua made it a one-point game.
It was on a knife-edge, but Wales finally got some field position in the final 10 minutes and Patchell nervelessly stepped up to drive his side home with a late penalty.
Australia pushed hard late on as a section of the floodlights failed, but Justin Tipuric’s late line-out steal and an amazing Liam Williams turnover proved crucial as Wales’ players went wild with delight at the final whistle.
