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
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Your support makes all the difference.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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Warren Gatland with some words after the match...
"It was pretty special match. We had a good first half and hung in in the second. The boys are battered in the changing room, it was a real tight match and those are the ones that we have lost in the past.
"We are really please with the win that takes some of the pressure of us and keeps us in control of our destiny."
How Pool D stands
1. Wales - 9 pts
2. Australia - 6 pts
3. Georgia - 5 pts
4. Uruguay - 4 pts
5. Fiji - 2 pts
Some strong words from Michael Cheika on the recent scrutiny being placed on the contact, with this match seeing a number of challenges subject to TMO due to the height and lateness of the tackles.
“I don’t understand anymore,” Cheika said. “They [the referees] all seemed spooked. They’re all worried. The players aren’t worried but then it’s affecting everything else on the field. The decisions are all sorts of crazy stuff. Then I’ve heard the English guy [Piers Francis] got off [for his tackle]. Wow.
“Maybe the lights going out at the end was a symbol. The administrators are spooking the referees. It’s not inviting to the fans."
Gatland: "I thought Australia were really good in the second half, they put us under a lot of pressure, they had a lot of the ball.
"I thought our players showed some great composure. I thought the bench gave us some real impact too. The pool is now in our destiny."
Gatland on Dan Biggar:
"He failed an HIA so he’ll have to go through the protocols. I’ve had a chat with him and he said he’s feeling good but we’ve got to go through the protocols. He was disappointed when he came off but he was brilliant in encouraging Rhys [Patchell].
"I thought Rhys did a brilliant job.
"He’s come under scrutiny defensively in the past but his line speed was excellent and he made some big tackles for us.
"It was a big game to game on for and he’ll draw confidence from that."
One of the reporters has asked Gatland for his view on Japan’s win over Ireland yesterday.
“I think Japan’s win over Ireland was fantastic for the World Cup,” the Kiwi said.
“You don’t want to be involved in an upset yourself but I thought it was good for the tournament and great for the Japanese rugby game going forward.
And on the referee/tackle/World Rugby debate:
“There’s been criticism of the referees but I don’t want to get involved in that.
“I think it’s important the judiciary take care of that. The decisions are made - we have to abide by them.”
The Kiwi staying well clear of getting involved in that controversy. A stark contrast to Cheika before him…
And that's a wrap! Gatland and captain Alun Wyn Jones head back to the changing room. Can imagine there's a few walking wounded in there.
On another note, here's Jack de Menezes' report from this evening's clash:
So, organisers have launched an investigation after around two-thirds of the floodlights failed towards the end of tonight's match.
Wales withstood a furious Australian comeback to secure a 29-25 win in the epic Pool D encounter, recording their first win over the Wallabies at the Rugby World Cup since 1987.
The lights went out in the final 10 minutes, prompting commentators to compare it to a low-grade match played in rural Australia, but referee Romaine Polite chose to continue with the game.
Officials said after the match they would investigate what caused the lighting failure.
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