Wallabies To Fend Off Hungry Wales

The Wallabies tackle Wales in their second match of the tournament having met on six previous occasions at the Rugby World Cup. In their total of 43 matches, the Wallabies have been dominant with 30 wins and only one draw between them.

However, last November Wales ended a 13 match losing streak against Australia with the win still embedded fresh in their memory and fuelling a belief they will do it again on the big stage.

Both teams stand amongst the strong forces of the rugby world, however, the Wallabies have a much more impressive Rugby World Cup record having progressed through to the knockout stages at every Rugby World Cup, as well eventual tournament winners twice.

During the current World Cup the Wallabies won their opening match with a good result. There are many reasons for this, notwithstanding the complaint submitted by Team Fiji relating to a tackle put on Pecali Yato by Reece Hodge effectively ending Yato’s impressive run. Incidentally, Hodge faced the judiciary 3 days later and was suspended for 3 games which is the remainder of the Wallabies pool matches.

A quick reflection on the game will recall images of the big Fijian forwards (and backs alike) setting the tone early for a fast and physical game, a trait of the Pacific Island teams that we’re all accustomed to, which they continued for the entirety of the match.

Post-match stats indicate the Wallabies had a whopping 67% possession throughout the game and almost doubling the figures in every other aspect including territory, ball carries, line breaks, defenders beaten, and rucks and mauls won.

Two of the most recognizable Fijian names behind this undeniable force are in the Wallabies backline, Samu Kerevi and Marika Koroibete who were both instrumental in the Wallabies win and both scoring tries.

Will Genia came on late to replace Nik White to spark a Wallabies revival. Adam Ashely-Cooper and Dane Haylett-Petty are both set to start against Wales while the General, Christian Leali’ifano, takes a well-earned break having played punishing tests against the Manu Samoa and Fiji back-to-back.

Wales are all set to turn the events around as well with Alun Wyn in their arsenal. Playing in his 17th Rugby World Cup match, it is going to be a thrill for Welsh fans to watch his 130th appearance for the Wales.

Both teams are looking to top the pool by winning this match.

The Wallabies weren’t impressive during their win against Fiji. But, were able to eventually change the course of the match by using the set piece effectively, which is not likely to happen against a Wales side that is determined to walk away with the points.

Four years ago, the Wallabies were a force at the rugby World Cup to reckon with, but since then they have not looked the same. Like all teams they have continued to build their team and improve both as individual players and as a team. The Wallabies lead up to the 2015 Rugby World Cup was quite similar and many people had written them off early. However, Rugby World Cup history shows they made it all the way to the final.

The opposite could be said about the Welsh side. They are looking stronger than ever and appear to have finally hit top gear. They have won 7 from 10 tests in 2019, losing three matches to England and Ireland (twice) in tight contests. Their chances have never looked better.

But in sports, you can never really forecast what will happen, which turn the match takes or which side is going to take away the points until it actually happens.

Just thinking about it sends chills running down your spine. Sit back and enjoy the game because Sundays don’t get better than this.