- Wallabies secure heavy 36-28 victory over Wales in Melbourne
- Australia recorded consecutive victories for the first time since 2021
- Wallabies scored a stunning 100m try that brought the fans to their feet
The Wallabies made it back-to-back wins for the first time since 2021, beating Wales 36-28 in torrential rain at AAMI Park in Melbourne.
Australia continued a positive start to the Joe Schmidt era on Saturday night, leading 17-0 after 25 minutes, but were forced to endure a comeback thanks to inspirational Welsh captain Dewi Lake.
The Wallabies led 23-14 at half-time, but the Wallabies’ lead was reduced to just two points when Welsh winger Liam Williams scored a goal early in the second half due to poor defence.
But Brumbies star Allan Alaalatoa provided some spectacle on the bench by scoring his first international try to give the Wallabies some breathing space at 28-21.
A terrible handling error, which led to winger Filipo Daugunu’s second try, appeared to have sealed the Wallabies’ victory in the 67th minute.
But Rio Dyer pounced on a smothered kick from Nic White to give Wales one last chance to secure their first victory over the Wallabies in Australia since 1969.
The home team scored a penalty to fend off Wales, securing a 25-16 victory in Sydney last week.
“Some of the attempts were spectacular and were down to some very good skills,” Schmidt said.
Wallabies winger Filipo Daugunu (pictured) scored two impressive tries at AAMI Park
‘I’m just happy we got some results because that will boost the confidence in the players.
‘I’m also very happy with the group of guys who are really committed to what we’re trying to achieve.
“It’s nice to have clear things to work on.”
The Welsh, who crushed the Wallabies at last year’s World Cup, continuing Eddie Jones’ nightmare, suffered their ninth successive defeat.
“I’m confident this is going to be a very good team,” said Wales coach Warren Gatland.
‘I see the signs there.
‘I’ve made it clear that we’re probably going to have to go through a bit of pain while we get those players more experienced.
“I can promise you that this is going to be a very good team.”
Wallabies have secured consecutive wins for the first time since 2021
The scoring couldn’t have opened better, with a chip kick from Andrew Kellaway leading to a great run from flanker Fraser McReight.
The Queensland Reds star ran almost the length of the field before passing the ball to Filipo Daugunu who scored a stunning try.
Halfback Jake Gordon produced an equally entertaining effort, collecting a loose ball and breaking through the Welsh defence in the 24th minute.
Wallabies lock Lukhan Salakaia-Loto was sent to the penalty box for a high blow on Welsh prop Archie Griffin, who was transferred for an assessment of his head injury.
Melbourne-born flanker Rob Valetini put in a superb performance in front of his home crowd to be named the Wallabies’ player of the match.
Man Mountain Lake were everywhere, with the hooker scoring twice in the first half, including a rolling maul just before half-time.
The Wallabies return to Sydney next Saturday night for a match against Georgia, who beat Eddie Jones’ Japan this week. It is their final Test match before their Rugby Championship campaign begins against world champions South Africa at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane on August 10.