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Watch: Euphoria as Wales end 10-year drought over Wallabies
A 77th-minute penalty goal from replacement flyhalf Dan Biggar sealed a historic win over Australia, ending a 10-year, 13-game losing streak over the men from down under.
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The tryless 9-6 win was a tryless affair, typified by missed opportunities. Wales looked to have the match all but sealed before knocking on and giving the Wallabies one last attempt to steal the match. With a history of Wallabies ‘Houdini’ acts in the past, Wales held their nerve as the Wallabies gave away a penalty whilst in possession, sparking a series of celebrations in Cardiff.
Look what it means to Wales' back room!
They've beaten Australia for the first time in 13 matches. #WALvAUS #bbcrugby pic.twitter.com/HEiM1SzTSS
— BBC Rugby Union (@bbcrugbyunion) November 10, 2018
Wales held the ball for large periods but couldn’t finish off a number of opportunities, with the attack faltering at various stages. Errors plagued the contest, with both sides locked 3-all at halftime. Wales fullback Leigh Halfpenny missed a penalty from almost dead in-front much to the frustration of the home side.
Wales openside flanker Justin Tipuric earned man of the match honours with a mammoth defensive showing, making 16 tackles and winning four turnovers.
TOP TIPS ? That's two Man of the Match performances in a row this autumn for Wales' openside flanker, Justin Tipuric. #TheTitanOfTrebanos pic.twitter.com/uDgZqxKtZD
— Welsh Rugby Union ??????? (@WelshRugbyUnion) November 10, 2018
The Wallabies themselves will rue an error-ridden performance, further adding pressure to a tough year.
Matt Toomua looked to have saved the side with a clutch long-range penalty in the 75th minute to tie the match 6-all after a late-shot on Leigh Halfpenny went ignored. Samu Kerevi collided with Halfpenny after a missed charge down attempt, with what looked like incidental shoulder contact with the head.
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From the ensuing play, David Pocock secured a penalty which Toomua converted. On the same ruck, an accidental knee from Pocock on Anscombe led to replacement Dan Biggar coming into the match.
Biggar stepped up to save the game from another controversy, slotting a game-winning penalty with calm and composure.
"I'll let you go and clean up!"
Alun Wyn Jones looking fine for the cameras ?#bbcrugby #WALvAUS pic.twitter.com/JejrV1B30V
— BBC Rugby Union (@bbcrugbyunion) November 10, 2018
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