Yes, the Wallabies have beaten Wales the last 13 times they’ve played them. But, through that run of 13 wins the Wallabies have never come off a run of poor games like they’ve racked up this year. And for the first time, the Wallabies are ranked well below the Welsh. And that, frankly, makes this a very intriguing test match.
What Winning Streak?
Australia has won 13 straight and 26 tests from 28 since 1991! In that time both countries have had a similar status in world rugby so what is the secret sauce that has kept the Aussies just in front of the Leek eaters?
None of those games means quite as much as this one in terms of the 2019 world cup with Wales and Australia looking for bragging rights ahead of banging heads in pool D of the tournament. If Australia wins it could damage the Welsh ego beyond short-term repair and could almost ensure us a quarter-final spot. If wales get up it would embolden them to go on to bigger things and we could end up in an arm wrestle with Fiji for second place in our pool.
History will weigh heavily on both sides but, both teams chances in the world cup could pivot on this game.
The Teams
[one_half last=”no”]
Wales
1 Nicky Smith
2 Ken Owens
3 Tomas Francis
4 Adam Beard
5 Alun Wyn Jones (c)
6 Dan Lydiate
7 Justin Tipuric
8 Ross Moriarty
9 Gareth Davies
10 Gareth Anscombe
11 Josh Adams
12 Hadleigh Parkes
13 Jonathan Davies
14 George North
15 Leigh Halfpenny
Replacements:
16 Elliot Dee
17 Rob Evans
18 Dillon Lewis
19 Cory Hill
20 Ellis Jenkins
21 Tomos Williams
22 Dan Biggar
23 Liam Williams
[/one_half]
[one_half last=”yes”]
Australia
1. Scott Sio (52 Tests)
2. Tolu Latu (10 Tests)
3. Allan Alaalatoa (30 Tests)
4. Izack Rodda (14 Tests)
5. Adam Coleman (28 Tests)
6. Jack Dempsey (7 Tests)
7. Michael Hooper (c) (88 Tests)
8. David Pocock (75 Tests)
9. Will Genia (97 Tests)
10. Bernard Foley (65 Tests)
11. Sefa Naivalu (8 Tests)
12. Kurtley Beale (81 Tests)
13. Samu Kerevi (22 Tests)
14. Israel Folau (70 Tests)
15. Dane Haylett-Petty (28 Tests)
Replacements:
16. Tatafu Polota-Nau (86 Tests)
17. Sekope Kepu (100 Tests)
18. Taniela Tupou (9 Tests)
19. Rob Simmons (91 Tests)
20. Ned Hanigan (18 Tests)
21. Nick Phipps (70 Tests)
22. Matt To’omua (39 Tests)
23. Jack Maddocks (5 Tests)
[/one_half]
The Last Word
I’d love to predict an Australian win here but I think it’s just too close to call and Wales would probably be favourites.
18-12 to Wales.
