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As it happenedended

Australia vs Wales, Rugby World Cup 2019: Result and reaction from thrilling clash in Tokyo

Re-live all the action and reaction from a World Cup classic

Samuel Lovett
Tokyo Stadium
Sunday 29 September 2019 11:45 BST
Comments
Rugby World Cup: Wales in profile

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Wales put one foot in the World Cup quarter-finals and announced themselves as major title contenders after beating Australia 29-25 at Tokyo Stadium.

The Six Nations champions took charge of Pool D with a second successive win that could lead to a last-eight clash against France or Argentina.

Australia, though, might be hurtling towards a knockout tie with England, who are coached by former Wallabies boss Eddie Jones, despite staging a spectacular second-half fightback.

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FULL-TIME: Australia 25-29 Wales

The Welsh have done it! They hold on for a huge victory after an unrelenting, dominant second half from the Australians. What a thrilling, absorbing match of rugby.

Samuel Lovett29 September 2019 10:46

FULL-TIME: Australia 25-29 Wales

I don't know how Wales survived that onslaught. After Michael Hooper got Australia's third, the men in yellow looked a sure bet for victory. Warren Gatland's side barely had a sniff in the closing stages of the match, with the Aussies dictating the flow of play. But hold on they did. A late penalty looked to settle the nerves, with Wales, somehow, drawing deep from inside themselves to put up a last wall of resistance to deny the Wallabies.

Samuel Lovett29 September 2019 10:48

FULL-TIME: Australia 25-29 Wales

And my god is it hot here. Those conditions must have been absolutely punishing. No wonder the Welsh looked a spent force in the final 10 minutes.

Samuel Lovett29 September 2019 10:50

FULL-TIME: Australia 25-29 Wales

That result is going to do Wales' confidence no end of good. To hold on in that fashion, with their backs against the wall, is a testament to the resilience and spirit of this side. They'll surely believe they can go all the way having toppled one of the game's very best teams.

Samuel Lovett29 September 2019 10:51

Jack de Menezes' player ratings on the final whistle:

Samuel Lovett29 September 2019 10:53

Gareth Davies picked up the man-of-the-match award by the way - and rightly so. He was phenomenal, a bundle of energy with which the Aussies really struggled to contain. His try was stunning to watch as he showed the Wallabies his heels in a breathtaking display of speed.

Another mention has to go for Rhys Patchell too. He was an oasis of calm amid this evening's chaos and carnage. Having replaced Dan Biggar, who failed to pass a HIA earlier on, he looked unfazed as he set about his business in style. His kicking, in particular, was sublime.

Samuel Lovett29 September 2019 10:57

I'm heading off down to the press conference to bring you the reaction from Warren Gatland and Michael Cheika. Back shortly!

Samuel Lovett29 September 2019 10:58

Wales captain Alun Wyn Jones had this to say after the match: "I think I am pretty happy with the character we showed, at times it felt like Georgia, great in the first half and bit tentative at the second half.

"It is always easier to defend a lead and the green and gold came at us in the second half and tested our resolve."

Samuel Lovett29 September 2019 11:07

Some post-match stats for you too. Look at those possession figures...

Wales-Australia:

Possession: 37%-63%

Territory: 37%-63%

Metres made: 341-550

Clean breaks: 7-8

Defenders beaten: 15-30

Tackles made/attempted: 153/183-80/95

Penalties conceded: 8-7

Samuel Lovett29 September 2019 11:08

Step aside Pocock and Hooper...

Samuel Lovett29 September 2019 11:14

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