Wallabies player ratings vs Wales | Autumn Nations Series
The Wallabies had a point to prove against Wales on Sunday morning (AEDT), as they looked to avoid a four-match losing streak to end their season.
While it was far from easy, the Wallabies were able to do exactly that, as they completed an incredible comeback at Cardiff’s Principality Stadium to win 39-34.
Australian went down to 13 men early in the second half after Jake Gordon and Tom Robertson were sent to the sin bin. The hosts made the most of their two player advantage as they begun to pile on the points.
Spurred on by the passionate Welsh crowd, the home side led 34-13 53 after minutes – but the Wallabies showed the rugby world what they’re made of in the final 20.
The Wallabies scored 26 unanswered points to finish the Test, with replacement hooker Lachlan Lonergan crossing for the match-winning try with less than two minutes to go.
Here’s how the Australian players rated in the win over Wales.
- Tom Wright – 7.5
Wright has played at a consistently high level for the Wallabies this year, arguably one of their best, and the 25-year-old was able to cap off an impressive season with another promising performance. The former NRL playmaker was given an opportunity to star in the No. 15 jersey against Wales, and he certainly held his own at fullback.
While he was relatively solid under the high ball, Wright showed once again how lethal he can be with the ball-in-hand. Wright ran for the most metres of any player on either team – 84m from 11 carries – and he also beat three defenders. But it wasn’t a perfect performance, with a brain-fade with six minutes to play nearly costing the men in gold.
- Jordan Petaia – 5.5
It was an unusually quiet Test match from Jordan Petaia, who played just under an hour on the right wing for the Wallabies. Petaia only ran the ball four times and made the same number of tackles – but he was simply outclassed by his opposite Rio Dyer. One of his best involvements in the Test was a 40-metre clearance kick late in the first half from a tight angle.
- Len Ikitau – 7
Ikitau is a world class centre, and the rugby world was reminded of exactly why that is in Cardiff. With no Hunter Paisami for this week’s Test – who was injured last weekend against Ireland – Ikitau had to stand up, and did the gold jersey justice. The 24-year-old made the equal-most tackles of any Australian player with 12, but he also had some crucial involvements in attack.
- Reece Hodge – 6.5
Australia’s Mr Fix It made his return to the Wallabies’ starting XV against Wales, having been named at inside centre. Hodge kicked well when he had to, but made his mark on the defensive side of the ball – making 11 tackles without missing any. The utility back attempted a shot at goal early in the second half, but his attempt from beyond halfway struck the upright.
- Mark Nawaqanitawase – 8.5
Nawaqanitawase hasn’t looked out of place at all since making his international debut a couple of weeks ago. Once again, the left winger was a work horse – and he looked more and more eager to get involved as the Test match went on. While he showcased his strength with the ball with some impressive runs during the opening 40, he made his name with a brilliant second-half double.
The up-and-coming winger showed how tough he is to stop one-on-one, and how little space he needs to make the most of an opportunity, as he scored a crucial try in the 58th minute. Nawaqanitawase crossed again 10 minutes later as he ran through the heart of the Welsh defence.
- Ben Donaldson – 5
Was a tough first start in international rugby for Donaldson, who didn’t really have the chance to impress with Wales dominating the Australian forwards. The pivot was involved in a try-saving tackle on Dyer late in the first half though. Donaldson scored eight points on the night.
- Jake Gordon – 5.5
Gordon certainly had some promising involvements during his time out on the field, but it seemed to remain consistent when Wales really took over. But the biggest mark against his performance was another yellow card – having been sent to the sin bin a couple of weeks ago against Italy.
- James Slipper (c) – 5
Was a tough night for the Wallabies captain, as Wales dominated the Australian forward pack for a large period of that Test. Slipper also only made five tackles and ran the ball once, as he struggled to make an impact.
- Folau Fainga’a – 6
It was at times a tough night for Folau Fainga’a, even though he was able to make most of his throws into the lineout. The try-scoring machine added another five-pointer to his tally as well, as he reaped the rewards of Australia’s rampaging rolling maul. But Wales were dominant, especially in the second quarter of the match, and that made things tough.
- Allan Alaalatoa – 5
Alaalatoa is a world class tighthead prop and his work rate was once again admirable, but Wales ultimately monstered the Wallabies which has to reflect in his rating. He was penalised for a scrum infringement just before half-time, which was the first in a series of penalties against the men in gold.
- Nick Frost – 6.5
Nick Frost’s work rate as excellent once again, and he continued to embody the role as a general at the set piece for the men in gold. Frost also made nine tackles on the night, and ran the ball seven times.
- Cadeyrn Neville – 5.5
Neville struggled to make his mark against Wales, before he was substituted for Ned Hanigan early in the second half. While the second rower certainly had a presence about him at the lineout, he couldn’t really make an impact on the Test – especially with how Wales were for so long.
- Jed Holloway – 5.5
Another player who had an unusually quiet Test. Holloway only made five tackles, and ran for just eight metres. The flanker did come close to scoring Australia’s first try of the match though, but was dragged into tough a few metres short of the line.
- Fraser McReight – 7
It was another impressive from Fraser McReight in the coveted No. 7 jersey for the Wallabies. Especially as the game went on, McReight reaped the rewards of his tireless work rate. The star flanker made the equal-most tackles of any Wallabies player, and he also ran for 23 metres. Great linkup play as well in the lead-up to Nawaqanitawase’s second try.
- Langi Gleeson – 6.5
Gleeson was given his first chance to start a Test match in Wallaby gold, and he certainly announced himself with a monstrous tackle early on. Just five minutes into the Test, Welsh fullback Josh Adams reeled in a Jake Gordon clearance kick – but he was met by Gleeson who timed his tackle perfectly.
While Australia struggled for a period during the opening 40 minutes, Gleeson still did what he could to make an impact on the Test. He made an impressive 11 tackles, and also ran the ball for 17 metres.
Reserves
- Lachlan Lonergan – 7.5 – Lonergan was the match winner for the Wallabies. Not only did he score the go-ahead try with less than two minutes to run on the clock, but the hooker also stole the ball at the breakdown and kicked it into touch to draw an end to a thrilling contest. A great performance from Lonergan off the bench.
- Tom Robertson – 5.5 – Robertson came on early for Slipper, who went off for 10 minutes for a HIA, and was penalised a few minutes after coming on. Later in the Test, he was yellow carded after the Wallabies conceded their fifth scrum penalty of the match.
- Sam Talakai – N/A – Made his international debut off the bench with less than 10 minutes to run on the clock.
- Ned Hanigan – N/A – Had some positive involvements when he came on.
- Pete Samu – 7.5 – The Wallabies needed a miracle from their bench really to win that match, and that’s exactly what they got from players including Samu. The flanker was one of Australia’s best on the night, as he played a key role in the unlikely resurgence.
- Tate McDermott – 7 – Against a tiring Welsh defence, McDermott was one of the difference markers in Cardiff. McDermott was sniping around the breakdown and that was causing the Welsh defence some headaches.
- Noah Lolesio – 7 – A brilliant playmaking cameo off the bench from the up-and-coming flyhalf, who staked his claim once again for that No. 10 jersey going into a World Cup year.
- Jock Campbell – N/A
Comments on RugbyPass
Has virtually played every minute of previous games. Back row of Li Lo Willie , Grace and Blackadder would be the 1. Crusaders issue is a very average 1st 5 who cannot run. Kicking in general play is also below par They need to put Yong Kemara in. He must have so.e talent for them to bring him down from Waikato. Hoehepa would struggle to play in so.e club sided
4 Go to commentsI hope this a good thing making all these changes!
2 Go to commentsThe Hurricanes are good, especially with a decent coach now. However, let’s be real, the Crusaders and Chiefs are clearly a good degree weaker without the players they’ve lost overseas now. The Canes lost one player. It’s also why the aussie teams ‘seem’ to be stronger.
9 Go to commentsOr you could develop your own players instead of constantly taking from the SH competition and weakening it in the process? With all the player and financial resources these unions have compared to SH countries you’d think they could manage that, or is weakening the SH comps and their national sides an added bonus? Probably.
3 Go to commentsNot so fast Aaron, we might need you in black yet lol. God knows he’d be a lot less nerve-racking than hot and (very) cold players like Perofeta. It’s really a shame Reuben Love isn’t playing 10, we’ve got enough 15 options.
4 Go to commentsAnd those from the NH still seem to be puzzled (and delighted) why NZ’s depth isn’t what it once was. Over 600 NZ players overseas, that’s insane. This sort of deal is why Super Rugby coaches have admitted they struggle now to find enough quality to fill out their squads.
6 Go to commentsArticle intéressant ! La question devrait régulièrement se poser pour les jeunes français originaires de Nouvelle-Calédonie, Wallis-et-Futuna et de Polynésie entre la Nouvelle-Zélande et la Métropole… Difficile pour la fédération française de rugby de se positionner : soit le choix est fait de dénicher les jeunes talents et de les faire venir très tôt en Métropole, au risque de les déraciner, soit on prend le risque de se les faire “piller” par les All Blacks qui, telle une araignée, essaye de récupérer tous les talents des îles du Pacifique… À la France de se défendre en développant l’aura du XV de France et des clubs français dans ses collectivités d’Outre-mer !
3 Go to commentsWrong bay. He needs to come to the REAL BAY which is Bay Of Plenty and have a crack at making the Chiefs.
3 Go to commentsIs Barrett going play full back??? They already have all the centers…
15 Go to commentsForgive my ignorance, I might not fully understand so would appreciate clarification: Didn’t the Bulls have to fly with three different carriers, paid for by the South African Rugby Union, whilst Edinburgh got a chartered flight sponsored by EPCR? Also, as far as I understand it South African teams don’t yet share in the revenue from the competition and are not allowed to host Semi-finals or Finals at home. Surely if everyone wants South Africans to “take the competition seriously” then they must make South Africans feel welcome, allow them to share in the revenue, and give them the same levels of access as the teams from the other countries. Just a reminder that South Africa has a large and passionate Rugby audience. Just by virtue of our teams being a part of these competitions means that more of us are likely to watch the knockout games, even if our teams haven’t qualified. It would be silly to alienate such a large audience by making them feel unwelcome.
18 Go to commentsFirst of all. This guy is very much behind the curve. All the bleating, whingeing, whining and moaning took place days ago already. Not adding anything to the topic other than more bleating, whingeing, whining and moaning. 🍼 Second of all, not one mention of the fact that South African teams can’t get home semi finals or finals. The tournament was undermined and devalued by the administrators. 🤡 Thirdly, football teams often have to juggle selections in mid week games, premier games, champions league games etc. and will from time to time prioritize certain titles over others. 🐒 And lastly FEK Neil, and anyone else for that matter, for insisting on telling teams how to manage themselves. If they make what is largely a business decision that suits them and doesn’t suit you - tough shite. 💩 It’s not rocket science as to why the Bulls did what they did. If this guy is too slow to figure it out (and is deliberately not mentioning one of the key reasons why) then he isn’t a journalist. He should join the rest of us pundit plebs in comments section. 🥴
18 Go to commentsSo the first door to knock on Rob is Parliament followed by HMRC. The Irish Revenue deliver a 40% tax relief rebate on the HIGHEST EARNING TEN YEARS of every pro Irish rugby players contract earnings at retirement. That goes a long way to both retaining their best talent and freeing up wages for marquee players. Who knows, if that had been in place in the UK, you might not have been able to poach Hoggy and Jonny Gray from Glasgow…!!!
3 Go to comments1. True, if that “free” ticket means access to all but the prized exhibit - EVIP only. SA cannot host semis, even if they’ve earned it (see Sharks vs ASM Clermont Auvergne at… Twickenham Stoop). 2. Why no selective outrage over Lyon doing the exact same thing a week earlier? Out of all the countries France send the most “B teams”, why nobody talking about “disrespect” and “prioritising domestic leagues” and “kicking them out”? 3. Why no mention of the Sharks fielding all of their Springboks for the second rate Challenge cup QF? No commitment? 4. Why no mention of all the SA teams qualifying for respective euro knock out comps in the two seasons they’ve been in it? How many euro teams have qualified for KO’s in their history? Can’t compete? 5. Why no mention of SA teams beating French and English giants La Rochelle and Saracens? How many euro teams have done that in their history? Add no quality? The fact is that SA teams are only in their second season in europe, with no status and a fraction of the resources. Since joining the URC, SA has seen a repatriation of a number of players, and this will only grow once SA start sharing in the profits of competing in these comps, meaning bigger squads with greater depth and quality, meaning they don’t have to prioritise comps as they have to now - they don’t have imports from Pacifica and South America and everywhere else in between like “European” teams have - also less “Saffas” in Prem and T14, that’s what we want right? 'If the South Africans are in, they need to be all in' True, and we have to ensure we give them the same status and resources as we give everyone else to do just that. A small compromise on scheduling will go a long way in avoiding these situations, but guess what, France and England wont compromise on scheduling because they ironically… prioritise their domestic comps, go figure!
18 Go to commentsthe success of the premiership can be summarized by : only 10 teams. It makes a huge difference with the overcrowded top 14 (let us not talk about Leinster and URC…)
1 Go to commentsGood for him. The ABs were fooling around again with converted fullbacks that had a penetration of a marshmallow. Laumape or as Aki has shown for Ireland, go forward is important in the centres. If it had been DMac - Aki- Aumua - Ioane- Telea- Jordan in France the final result would have been different.
4 Go to commentsDan Carter a apporté son professionnalisme, des méthodes de travail, un esprit qui manquaient à l’USAP. Son influence, même une fois blessé a été énorme. Et pour citer une anecdote, certains soirs il venait de lui-même à l’entraînement des jeunes pour dispenser ses conseils. On ne peut pas compter ce qu’il a apporté au club en heures de jeu sur le terrain. Est-ce que le club en a eu pour son argent ? Avec la publicité sur son nom et le titre, je suppose que oui.
1 Go to commentsThe SA sides are suffering from a bum rap here. There isn’t a side anywhere in the world that would do things differently in their shoes. They’ve been set up to fail in the EPCR comps by vested interests, with last minute intercontinental travel requirements that costs an arm and a leg to book in advance just on the possibility they might be required. And the total nonsense that denies any chance of home venues is entirely biased and absolutely unsporting. Either EPCR, the Top14 & the Gallagher Premiership get it sorted on a fair and equitable sporting basis for ALL participants or expect the ridicule to continue. Right now, these comps are a joke!
18 Go to commentsSA sides should do the right thing and leave the champions cup, they are lowering the standard with completely one sided games, not up to the right level. The greatest club tournament in the world is being banjaxed by the weak SA sides.
18 Go to commentsCouldnt agree more. SA sides need to show more committment and really have a go at the Champions Cup. Its quite possibly the most prestigious title in Europe and SA sides need to respect that prestige and serve up their best. EPCR needs to do more to ensure that sides from South Africa and sides travelling to and from SA have a better chance in this competition. The Bulls were put in a really difficult position of having to travel there and back in one week. One could argue that this is what the SA sides signed up for and that La Rochelle didnt complain or send out weakened sides despite having to travel to SA and back and play on successive weekends but surely the situation is also unfair on La Rochelle as well and so EPCR needs to think about successive gameweeks and the travel effect of the competition
18 Go to commentsI hadn’t watched much Canes this season but sat through a replay of that Chiefs game with no distractions. That pack is beastly. I really like the look of Iose. He loves the tough stuff. The first Quins clip may be the best I have even seen for a TH driving his opposite into oblivion. i need to take your word for the contribution of Walker, but Collier there with a straight back pushing up from under was a lovely thing to see. Have you fallen in love with Baxter also, Nick? I think Stuart Barnes may have written his column about him recently, naked. He positively frothed.
15 Go to comments