On Saturday, July 9th, the Wallabies made a triumphant return to international rugby under the leadership of new coach Dave Rennie, securing a dominant 23-18 victory over Wales at ANZ Stadium in Sydney. This match marked the beginning of Rennie’s tenure and the first test in Warren Gatland’s second spell as Wales head coach.
The Nail-Biting Clash
The contest was a fierce battle throughout, with both teams showcasing their attacking prowess. Australia drew first blood with a try from Jordan Petaia, but Wales responded with a try of their own courtesy of Nick Tompkins. The half-time score stood at 13-10 in favor of the Wallabies.
The second half witnessed a flurry of points, with Australia extending their lead through a try from Samu Kerevi. Wales fought back, scoring a try through Josh Adams to level the scores at 18-18. However, it was Australia who had the final say, with James O’Connor slotting a penalty in the dying minutes to secure the victory.
Gatland’s Skid Extends
For Wales head coach Warren Gatland, this defeat marked his eighth consecutive loss in charge. Gatland, who returned to Wales after a successful spell with the British and Irish Lions, is yet to register a victory since his reappointment. This skid has raised questions about the effectiveness of his current coaching setup.
Schmidt’s Wallabies Tenure Begins with a Bang
On the other hand, Dave Rennie’s debut as Wallabies coach was a resounding success. The victory against Wales was a testament to Rennie’s attacking philosophy and the team’s newfound confidence. This result provides a promising start for the Wallabies as they prepare for the upcoming Rugby Championship.
Key Takeaways
- Australia’s victory is a major boost to their confidence under new coach Dave Rennie.
- Wales continue to struggle under Warren Gatland, extending his losing streak to eight matches.
- The match was a showcase of attacking rugby, with both teams scoring impressive tries.
- This result sets the stage for an intriguing Rugby Championship, which kicks off in August.
Kind regards C. Dixon.
