Defensive smarts and bench impact make the difference for Wales

Shaun Edwards had set Wales a points target to keep Australia below, and regardless of whether they managed it or not, their defence won the day in a thrilling victory against the Wallabies.

The 29-25 victory over the two-time champions puts Wales in pole position to top Pool D but they were made to fight all the way as Australia fought back from 26-8 down to trail by a single point heading into the final ten minutes.

Having been under the cosh all of the second half, it was then that Wales really came into their own, finally playing some rugby in Australian territory, before producing two match-turning moments at the death.

However, while Tomos Williams’ acrobatic leap denied Australia a lineout in the Welsh 22, and Liam Williams’ late turnover clinched the victory, this win was earned in the first hour of the game, and singled Wales out as genuine contenders to go deep.

From a Dan Biggar drop goal after just 35 seconds – the fastest points in World Cup history – Wales clearly had a plan to take every opportunity to score points.

DARTING DAVIES

The other obvious tactic was to send scrum-half Gareth Davies shooting out of the defensive line in search of an interception.

He gave Australia a warning shot in the first ten minutes picking off one pass but although he was stopped that time, there was no one home just before half-time for what was the decisive score of the game.

Spotting that Will Genia was taking a step off the back of the ruck before passing, Davies timed his run perfectly, collected and sprinted home.

It was a question of timing, and he nailed it, the hours of work with Edwards paying off. Every team who face Wales will have to be aware of his threat.

He said: “It’s about making the right call at the right time.

“I do a lot of work with Shaun Edwards, who is one of the best defensive coaches in the world, so a lot my tries are down to him really. Hopefully I get a couple more in the next couple of weeks.”

The team thank the incredible crowd that made today’s game at Tokyo Stadium extra special. #AUSvWAL pic.twitter.com/pcRfpOjnss

— Welsh Rugby Union (@WelshRugbyUnion) September 29, 2019

WELSH FITNESS

The way Wales finished each half – scoring ten points in two minutes in the first, and then stemming what seemed an inexorable Wallaby tide in the second – was an indication of the mindset of this team.

On a six-day turnaround there must have been fears that Australia’s extra rest would come to the fore, particularly when they had more than 80 percent possession and territory at one point in the second half.

However just as Australia looked to have taken control, it was Wales who finally got their hands on the ball and were able to earn a penalty and see out the win.

Rhys Patchell and the bench made a big impact off the bench ©INPHO/Craig Mercer

The replacements played a crucial role in that, Rhys Patchell particularly impressive coming on for Dan Biggar in the first half.

However, Aaron Shingler, Ross Moriarty and Dillon Lewis also made their presence felt in the pack, and Tomos Williams obviously had a major impact too.

GAME MANAGEMENT

That depth will be crucial as the competition continues, both to cope with short turnarounds, as well as to give Gatland options when it comes to the makeup of his 23.

And having so often come out on the wrong end of close games with the Wallabies, this was an indication of a team that knows exactly what to do to see out a game.

Gatland explained: “This team as a squad has grown up in terms of game management. That’s improved significantly.

“We’ve learned a lot from those experiences about management. The players who came off the bench showed real character. We won some key turnovers towards the end of the game.

“It was pleasing to handle the six-day turnaround. Georgia wasn’t an easy encounter. Our composure and fitness were really good. We soaked up a lot of pressure.”

The pressure is only going to increase as the competition goes on, but this Wales team has shown they can cope with it.