Select Edition

Northern Northern
Southern Southern
Global Global
NZ NZ

'I'm sure they would have got a rollocking at half-time'

By Online Editors
Davies runs in his try against the Wallabies

Try-scorer Gareth Davies praised Wales’ character following their thrilling 29-25 World Cup victory over Australia at Tokyo Stadium.

ADVERTISEMENT

Wales took charge of Pool D as a result, moving closer to a potential quarter-final appointment with France or Argentina.

But they did it the hard way as Australia fought back to a point behind from 26-8 adrift before Wales claimed a first World Cup victory against the Wallabies since 1987.

“I am sure they (Australia) would have got a rollocking at half-time,” said Davies, who claimed a memorable first-half interception touchdown.

“We knew they would come out all guns blazing, and that is what they did.

(continue reading below…)

WATCH: Wales react to a famous night in Tokyo

Video Spacer

“It shows our character, because in past years we might not have held on.”

Wales face remaining group games against Fiji and Uruguay, but have 10 days before playing the Fijians in Oita.

Davies added: “We know it was a very important win for us, but we are not going to get too far ahead of ourselves.

ADVERTISEMENT

“We just need to keep building. It was a very tough test, and now we’ve got a couple of days to chill out.”

Replacement Rhys Patchell played a key role in Wales’ victory, kicking 14 points – including a drop-goal – after going on for Dan Biggar, who failed a head injury assessment.

Biggar also dropped a goal, and Patchell said: “We were aware that when we were down in Australia’s half we wanted to come away with points.

“‘Bigs’ hit his (drop-goal) phenomenally well. Mine was a bit more scratchy.

ADVERTISEMENT

“But they all count. I wanted to make sure we got some points on the board early in the second half.

“When you get to a World Cup, everybody thinks tries win a World Cup. But what wins World Cups is goalkicking and being able to take those points.

“Historically – 2003, 2007, 2011 – it was probably only 2015 when the All Blacks ran away with the game and were able to put a bit of light between Australia and themselves. As kickers, you have got to be ready for those opportunities.

“We have got a great bunch of kickers that enjoy putting in the hard work, and today we came off the right side of the ledger. I am just pleased they went over.”

Australia’s post-match reaction to defeat to Wales

Video Spacer
ADVERTISEMENT

Join free

Aotearoa Rugby Podcast | Episode 6

Sam Warburton | The Big Jim Show | Full Episode

Japan Rugby League One | Sungoliath v Eagles | Full Match Replay

Japan Rugby League One | Spears v Wild Knights | Full Match Replay

Boks Office | Episode 10 | Six Nations Final Round Review

Aotearoa Rugby Podcast | How can New Zealand rugby beat this Ireland team

Beyond 80 | Episode 5

Rugby Europe Men's Championship Final | Georgia v Portugal | Full Match Replay

Trending on RugbyPass

Comments

Join free and tell us what you really think!

Sign up for free
ADVERTISEMENT

Latest Features

Comments on RugbyPass

T
Trevor 53 minutes ago
Will forgotten Wallabies fit the Joe Schmidt model?

Thanks Brett.. At last a positive article on the potential of Wallaby candidates, great to read. Schmidt’s record as an international rugby coach speaks for itself, I’m somewhat confident he will turn the Wallaby’s fortunes around …. on the field. It will be up to others to steady the ship off the paddock. But is there a flaw in my optimism? We have known all along that Australia has the players to be very competitive with their international rivals. We know that because everyone keeps telling us. So why the poor results? A question that requires a definitive answer before the turn around can occur. Joe Schmidt signed on for 2 years, time to encompass the Lions tour of 2025. By all accounts he puts family first and that’s fair enough, but I would wager that his 2 year contract will be extended if the next 18 months or so shows the statement “Australia has the players” proves to be correct. The new coach does not have a lot of time to meld together an outfit that will be competitive in the Rugby Championship - it will be interesting to see what happens. It will be interesting to see what happens with Giteau law, the new Wallaby coach has already verbalised that he would to prefer to select from those who play their rugby in Australia. His first test in charge is in July just over 3 months away .. not a long time. I for one wish him well .. heaven knows Australia needs some positive vibes.

21 Go to comments
B
Bull Shark 4 hours ago
Jake White: Are modern rugby players actually better?

Of the rugby I’ve born witness to in my lifetime - 1990 to date - I recognize great players throughout those years. But I have no doubt the game and the players are on average better today. So I doubt going back further is going to prove me wrong. The technical components of the game, set pieces, scrums, kicks, kicks at goal. And in general tactics employed are far more efficient, accurate and polished. Professional athletes that have invested countless hours on being accurate. There is one nation though that may be fairly competitive in any era - and that for me is the all blacks. And New Zealand players in general. NZ produces startling athletes who have fantastic ball skills. And then the odd phenomenon like Brooke. Lomu. Mcaw. Carter. Better than comparing players and teams across eras - I’ve often had this thought - that it would be very interesting to have a version of the game that is closer to its original form. What would the game look like today if the rules were rolled back. Not rules that promote safety obviously - but rules like: - a try being worth 1 point and conversion 2 points. Hence the term “try”. Earning a try at goals. Would we see more attacking play? - no lifting in the lineouts. - rucks and break down laws in general. They looked like wrestling matches in bygone eras. I wonder what a game applying 1995 rules would look like with modern players. It may be a daft exercise, but it would make for an interesting spectacle celebrating “purer” forms of the game that roll back the rules dramatically by a few versions. Would we come to learn that some of the rules/combinations of the rules we see today have actually made the game less attractive? I’d love to see an exhibition match like that.

29 Go to comments
FEATURE
FEATURE Juan Ignacio Brex: 'Italy made history, but it's not enough' Juan Ignacio Brex: 'Italy made history, but it's not enough'
Search