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Wales player ratings vs Australia | July Series 2nd Test
By Neil Fissler
Wales player ratings: Joe Schmidt’s Australia delivered an all-action performance to edge out Wales 36-28 in a closely contested showdown at AAMI Park in Melbourne.
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It was a ninth straight defeat for Wales, who are without a win in Australia since 1969, but it was not all doom and gloom for Warren Gatland’s side.
Neil Fissler rates Warren Gatland’s Wales players:
15. Cameron Winnett – 5
Badly misjudged a kick in difficult conditions that gifted Jake Gordon Australia’s second try. But grew into the game the game the longer it went on, especially with the ball in his hands.
14. Liam Williams – 5
The experienced old head was literally up for the fight in every way and was always available to support the youngsters. He scored his first try against the Wallabies in 12 attempts, but his acrobatics backfired, costing a try.
13. Owen Watkin – 5.5
Handling was made difficult with a wet ball, but he made some good ground. He also pressured the Wallabies with kicks in behind, especially in the first half. Also did his fair share of defensive work.
12. Mason Grady 5.5
Earmarked for the Jamie Roberts role of punching holes and is very much a work in progress in the early days of his International career. But proved that he can be a real handful in the right conditions.
11. Rio Dyer – 5.5
Improves with every game, and he has played more minutes than any other Wales player this year and rounded it off with a brilliant finish in not a lot of space.
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10. Ben Thomas – 5
Did his best to try to add some verity to his attacking but his kicking however, which Warren Gatland says is very much a work in progress, causes concern; especially when he fluffed his lines early on.
9. Ellis Bevan – 5
Showed some nice, safe hands early on but didn’t get the opportunity to run with the ball only made one carry in the game with limited success but was steady enough in most areas.
1. Gareth Thomas – 5
Came under pressure as the rain made scrummaging a nightmare, but he was much improved on his last performance and tackled like his life depended on it.
2. Dewi Lake – 8
The last British captain to cause more havoc in Australia was Douglas Jardine. A pest on the floor and benefitted with two tries from a powerful driving maul. The whole of Australia was pleased to see him replaced.
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3. Archie Griffin – 5
Took one on the chin from Lukhan Salakaia-Loto but stopped seeing stars in time to return to the action. But he does, however, need to show more discipline and stop giving away penalties.
4. Christ Tshiunza – 5
Quietly went about his business and completed his tackles when needed. He didn’t particularly catch the eye but didn’t do anything wrong in equal measure.
5. Dafydd Jenkins – 6
A proved himself to be a real nuisance in the line out, causing the Wallabies plenty of problems to rule the skies like a fighter pilot ace and was quite often the first line of defence without taking a backward step.
6. James Botham – 6.5
Clearly, something in the DNA that – like his grandfather playing against Australia – brings out the very best in a Botham. Needed to step up after the loss of Wainwright and was lively.
7. Tommy Reffell – 6.5
He was rock solid in an impressive back-row performance and put his body on the line after completing the most number of tackles of anyone on the pitch.
8. Taine Plumtree – 6
He was just inches from an early try and just got better and better the long the game went on, and he can have no complaints about his performance.
Replacements
16. Evan Lloyd – NA
Came on for Lake after 68 minutes.
17. Kemsley Mathias – Not used
18. Harri O’Connor – NA
Got the chance to stretch his leg when Griffin was being checked out but didn’t get back on.
19. Cory Hill – 5
Came on for Jenkins after 64 minutes.
20. Mackenzie Martin – NA
21. Kieran Hardy – 5
Replaced Bevan after an hour.
22. Sam Costelow – 5
Replaced Thomas and got his name on the scoresheet.
23. Nick Tompkins – NA
Came on for Williams for the last 12 minutes.
Realistically, which Wales players are currently in contention for Lions selection?
Perplexing that Italy were largely able to turn their 6N fortunes around after a pretty poor WC, but Wales over the same period seem to have gotten worse.
Happy that Aus get a couple of wins - as lord knows they needed it too, but Welsh Rugby really is in a dark place atm.
Gatland ain't the problem but he ain't the answer. He's no good without Shaun Edwards.