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.
Wales 16-13 Australia
42 mins: Williams have an opening of space out on the left wing - but Australia recover and regather their numbers before clearing for touch.
Elias’ throw was not straight so we come back for a scrum on halfway.
KICK-OFF! Wales 16-13 Australia
Back underway, and Wales get the early advantage after Beale knocks it on when trying to collect a high kick from Biggar.
HALF TIME: Wales 16-13 Australia
The teams are back out at the Principality - those in attendance will be hoping to see their side rack up the points in the second half but Australia have showed they’re for the fight.
Second half next!
HALF TIME: Wales 16-13 Australia
Wales will be looking to improve after the break. They haven’t been able to make use of their man advantage so far.
Australia will be fairly happy with how they’ve played - the red card and yellow card aside.
HALF TIME: Wales 16-13 Australia
40 mins: Wales were unable to work anything from the lineout, which was just outside the Australia 22, and in the end it was the visitors who threatened to break after turning it over.
Wright kicks down field and goes for the chase but Biggar is there to pick up and boot into touch to bring the half to a close.
It’s been scrappy, but Wales lead.
Wales 16-13 Australia
39 mins: Josh Adams looks to be clear after picking up a loose ball before he is dragged back by his collar Tom Wright - that’s a penalty.
From the advantage, Wales looked to work it wide and space opened up after a fine cutting pass from Halaholo.
They eventually turn it over so it comes back to the original penalty.
Wales 16-13 Australia (Biggar pen 38)
Biggar kicks Wales in front shortly before half time with a simple penalty from in front of the posts. Good work from Tomas Francis, there, to win the penalty following Halaholo’s initial run.
Wales 13-13 Australia
37 mins: Uilisi Halaholo drops a lovely couple of shoulders to beat Iktiau and then Beale in midfield - that got some Wales fans up off their seats.
The play is then halted after Tupou takes a knock - and his day looks done.
Wales 13-13 Australia
35 mins: After an exchange of kicks, O’Connor goes for touch from inside his half but it doesn’t quite run far enough. It goes back for a Wales scrum inside their half.
Wales 13-13 Australia
33 mins: Lots going on here. Kellaway clatters into Adams when trying to claim a high ball, and from the play that followed, Australia worked the ball into a couple of promising positions through Tupou, but it’s Wales who win the penalty.
Kellaway’s day is over and he picked up a knock, and Beale returns to the pitch as Australia go back up to 14.
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