Joe Schmidt’s side backed up their win over England with a resilient and dominant performance, overcoming adversity to secure a spectacular 52-20 victory over Wales.
The Wallabies stormed to a 19-0 lead before facing a major challenge when Samu Kerevi was shown a red card for a high tackle after halftime. However, this setback only energized the team, as hooker Matt Faessler delivered a historic hat-trick, all scored through the rolling maul, marking the first-ever by a Wallabies hooker.
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Fullback Tom Wright also managed a hat-trick, showcasing his attacking prowess with an intercept try and a late effort to seal the half-century, compounding Wales’ woes and handing them their 11th consecutive defeat under Warren Gatland.
Wallabies vs Wales
The Wallabies started with high intensity, carrying momentum from their win over England. Wright opened the scoring by exploiting some soft Welsh defence, stepping through close to the line. This was followed by lock Nick Frost, who finished a brilliant counter-attack initiated by Max Jorgensen and Len Ikitau, racing 50 meters to score.
When Faessler dotted down at the back of a rolling maul, the Wallabies appeared in total control. However, Wales hit back with number eight Aaron Wainwright spinning his way over next to the posts.
A pair of penalty goals from Gareth Anscombe brought the score to 19-13 at halftime, setting up a tense second half.
The Wallabies’ challenge intensified when Kerevi, celebrating his 50th cap, was sent off for a high shot on Jac Morgan. Despite being down a player, the Wallabies found strength in adversity. The rolling maul became their go-to weapon, with Faessler scoring two additional tries to regain control of the game.
Wright’s intercept try further dampened Welsh hopes before Ikitau capped off a stunning team performance with a try of his own.
