Wales vs Australia LIVE: Rugby result, final score and Autumn Nations Series 2021 reaction
The hosts prevailed on a dramatic night at the Principality Stadium thanks to Rhys Priestland’s late penalty
Wales‘ Rhys Priestland kicked a penalty after the hooter as the hosts poured more misery on Australia with a 29-28 victory at the Principality Stadium on Saturday following an early red card for visiting number eight Rob Valetini.
Valetini became the fifth player to see red against Wales in the last 12 months but could have few complaints after his dangerous tackle on lock Adam Beard after 14 minutes resulted in a clash of heads.
Hooker Ryan Elias and centre Nick Tompkins scored tries for the home side, who failed to drive home their numerical advantage and were seconds away from losing before they were awarded an offside penalty in the last play of the game.
Australia, who have lost all three matches on their tour after defeats by Scotland and England, scored tries through wings Andrew Kellaway and Filipo Daugunu, plus scrumhalf Nic White but, having highlighted the need to improve their discipline in the week, let themselves down again.
TRY! Wales 23-20 Australia (WHITE 61’)
What a move from Australia! Kurtley Beale makes a lovely side-step on Halaholo to create a line, and the full-back then drives away from Wainwright. Nic White makes the supporting run and finishes it off at the second attempt after Williams had got back to briefly halt him at the line.
This isn’t done yet!
YELLOW CARD! Wales 23-13 Australia (Thomas)
58 mins: Both teams will be have 14 men for the next 10 minutes after Gareth Thomas is shown a yellow card for his clear out.
His arm made contact with Alaalatoa’s head.
Australia are unable to make any ground from the penalty.
Wales 23-13 Australia
57 mins: Wales broke well from the scrum as Williams came out with ball in hand. He then found Wainwright, who was making a run on the outside, before Wales went through the middle with Ellis Jenkins.
However, after Jenkins is tackled, Gareth Thomas storms in with the clear out and catches Alaalatoa.
He could be in trouble here.
Wales 23-13 Australia
56 mins: Lovely break from Australia, with Iktiau making the initial burst before then playing a smart offload to Daugunu. Australia had a spare man over in Samu, but Daugunu’s pass went forward.
Wales 23-13 Australia
54 mins: Wales edge their way up the pitch after a couple of kicks from Biggar, either side of a lineout which Australia had won back.
Wales 23-13 Australia
51 mins: That’s a huge turnover! Australia’s rolling maul was pushing for the line but Wales were able to hold them at bay before winning the penalty at the breakdown!
Wales 23-13 Australia
49 mins: Sloppy restart from Wales as Halaholo knocks on under little pressure from kick-off. Wales hold off the initial pressure after Australia elected to go for the corner - but Australia then pick up a second penalty and will try again on the opposite wing.
TRY! Wales 23-13 Australia (Tompkins 48’)
What a strange try! Everyone is frozen as Tompkins blocks a pass from Wright - everyone thinks the ball has been knocked on, but the referee disagrees and Tompkins picks up the ball before carrying the ball over the line under no pressure! Tompkins picked up the ball and turned to the referee, who gave him the go-ahead to continue. The TMO confirms that the ball went backwards and the try stands!
Biggar adds the conversion.
Wales 16-13 Australia
46 mins: Australia eventually come away with the ball as the Wallabies build some nice possession but Wales stand strong.
Wales 16-13 Australia
44 mins: The scrum takes an age to set. Australia’s front-row replacements are immediately called into action.
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