Wales beat nemesis Australia in a thriller

Wales’ Dan Biggar kicks a penalty REUTERS

CARDIFF, REUTERS: Wales coach Warren Gatland says the strength of their bench played a major role in the narrow 9-6 victory over Australia at the Millennium Stadium on Saturday that provided a significant boost to his side ahead of next year’s World Cup. 

Wales, who will meet Australia in their pool in Japan, ended a 13-game losing streak against the southern hemisphere team in an error-strewn arm-wrestle. 

The ability to bring in experience off the bench, like flyhalf Dan Biggar and wing Liam Williams, gave Wales the impetus they needed in the closing stages, according to Gatland. 

“I said that was the strongest bench we’ve put out in my time in Wales,” Gatland told reporters. 

“I thought the bench was outstanding. (Flanker) Ellis Jenkins was outstanding. (Lock) Cory Hill and the two front rowers came on and did well. Dan had to come out and kick a pressure kick.” Neither side created anything in the way of try-scoring opportunities as both defences stood firm. Unforced errors played a role too, as did the slow ball at the breakdown. 

“The breakdown was tough for both teams. In the first half, we weren’t dominant enough in the collisions,” Gatland said. 

“The boys dug deep. From a defensive point of view, that was probably the most comfortable we’ve been against Australia.” Wales’ victory might have been more comfortable had fullback Leigh Halfpenny, usually so dependable from the kicking tee, not missed two simple penalty opportunities, one from directly in front of the posts.