Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

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

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

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.

Please allow a moment for the blog to load.

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."

Samuel Lovett29 September 2019 11:15

How Pool D stands

1. Wales - 9 pts

2. Australia - 6 pts

3. Georgia - 5 pts

4. Uruguay - 4 pts

5. Fiji - 2 pts

Samuel Lovett29 September 2019 11:26

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."

Samuel Lovett29 September 2019 11:36

Warren Gatland up next. Wonder if he'll share a similar view...

Samuel Lovett29 September 2019 11:37

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."

Samuel Lovett29 September 2019 11:41

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."

Samuel Lovett29 September 2019 11:48

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…

Samuel Lovett29 September 2019 11:53

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:

Samuel Lovett29 September 2019 11:56

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.

Samuel Lovett29 September 2019 12:16

That's all from me, folks. Thanks for joining. It's been a breathless night - one that the Welsh fans certainly won't be forgetting in a hurry. Their first RWC win over Australia since 1987. A truly momentous evening.

Until next time!

Samuel Lovett29 September 2019 12:32

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in