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'I'm sure they would have got a rollocking at half-time'
Try-scorer Gareth Davies praised Wales’ character following their thrilling 29-25 World Cup victory over Australia at Tokyo Stadium.
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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.
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WATCH: Wales react to a famous night in Tokyo
“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.
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“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.
"We're gonna win the World Cup!" ???????
Welsh fans have a message for @jimhamilton4 and the World after famous win over Australia. #RugbyWorldCup #AUSvWAL pic.twitter.com/WuLfgSDkyQ
— RugbyPass (@RugbyPass) September 29, 2019
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“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
Comments on RugbyPass
Brilliant article! Harry of 8/9
1 Go to comments‘UK athletes' have been in the NFL from the start.
1 Go to commentsIt’s going to be Scott Barrett. He’s the coaches mate and captain of a previously elite team. Ardie a great option but scooter has worked with the coach and Ardie still as big a leader as needed.
23 Go to commentsI commend Colin Scotts bio All Balls. He was the first Aussie to make it to NFL. But he was poached and did a full apprenticeship at the University of Hawaii. He was 130kgs surfed played 1st grade cricket etc. big guy by normal but not NFL standards and a top athlete. Even then the nfl were picking up Tongans and Samoans for their natural size and explosive power. They want explosive power not cardio from the big boys so a guy like Taniela Tupou would have been good if picked up young enough. He has fast twitch and they’d bulk the little lad up and give him something to do. soccer teams set up academies and look for Over Sara’s talent eg Messi was at Barcelona since a teenager and harry kewell went to Leeds as a teenager like 16 or something.
11 Go to commentsThe article alludes to the fact that this isn’t about picking a captain. But picking a great captain. So who would make for a great All Black captain - not just an obvious or safe shoo-in? I’m not sure Ardie’s the guy and Barret doesn’t stand out either.
23 Go to commentsI guess we may all agree on the fact, that the ABs and Boks are the two in contest for No 1 in rugby history (the triple-A sort of) …. the Wallabies, England and France are the next tier, with Ireland being the new kid in town (AA) …. in my view it makes little sense creating imaginary competitions (unless you have too much time to waste)
45 Go to commentsWhat a joke. Total joke and the pundits commentating, all of whom know a bit about the game, could barely disguise their contempt. Reaching for the card then pulling back when he realised a red card would carry further match suspensions is simply not his decision to make. A clear and obvious influence on the outcome of this match and indeed, the championship path.
4 Go to commentsI like the idea, in NZ the Ranfurly Shield and NPC coexist, both having their own bragging rights. The World Cup would be the pinnacle, but the competition and travels of these trophies would be interesting.
45 Go to commentsDon’t worry Sonny bill Williams leave that awkward situation about the curfew in the pass whoever it was it doesn’t matter its no big deal we back our All Blacks through the storm and the thunder until we see the Sun light again.
42 Go to commentsWho listens to this retard? He was a massive liability as a player but obviously a media sensation
42 Go to commentsI’m not surprised by such ‘virtue signalling’ by Sonny Boy. Butter wouldn’t melt in his mouth. He’s such a pious Islamic muppet, imo.
42 Go to commentsI’ve actually never heard of the guy (then I don’t watch League as it is boring). But if he is good enough.. then good luck to him. If not, well, he can always return to league.
2 Go to commentsIt is pretty clear that by almost any measure that NZ are a more successful rugby nation than South Africa. Quite aside from the distasteful events during the last RWC final. NZ lead SA in all significant measurements.
45 Go to commentsDickson went to his pocket for a card, saw who it was, changed his mind and spoke at length to TMO. One angle clearly shows Care diving over a Saints player to kill the ball. 1st yellow, reason given for not Red was player was falling backwards. He was only falling backwards after contact with Lawes. Graham try should have stood. Mitchell did not have both hands on the ball, ball went forward from a Saints boot dragging over it. 2 intentional knock-on's. One of which had an overlap on the outside. If Quins are happy to win by intentional foul play, then it does not say much for them. Would appear to be a bad day for Karl Dickson, also for the RFU in appointing a Ref who spent 8 years as a player at one of the clubs.
4 Go to commentsLet’s not forget about Ardie Savea just yet.
8 Go to commentsThe URC and the Euro Championscup can’t run at the same time, basically dilutes both competitions.
2 Go to comments“While Sotutu should start at No.8 for the All Blacks against England, but it’s only in that arena that he can prove just how good he really is.” And that my friends is where simply hasnt shone despite multiple opportunities. Even in this performance you can see what did him in in the test arena..he almost always still runs at the opposition almost ramrod upright making him easier to stop than it should be.
8 Go to commentsShould have been 0-0 and a message from SR CEO to both teams - “don’t worry about turning up next year”.
4 Go to commentsGreat work Owen Franks. A great of this team, scoring his first try for the Crusaders since 2010.He was beaming, justifiably. A fine win, he and the rest did the job up front.
1 Go to commentsDanny Care. Lang in die tand.
1 Go to comments