NSW Waratahs Captain Jake Gordon scored a crucial try as the Wallabies defeated Wales in another tough encounter, to win the two-match Test series 2-0, and retain the James Bevan Trophy in rainy conditions at AAMI Park in Melbourne.
Joe Schmidt's side started fast, with tries to Filipo Daugunu and Jake Gordon giving the home side a 17-0 lead after 25 minutes.
However, Wales' rolling maul kept them in the game and a double to captain Dewi Lake got the visitors right back in the contest.
Both sides traded tries as Daugunu's second was answered by a great solo effort from Rio Dyer with a strong finish in the corner.
With the game in the balance, the Wallabies hung tough and secured the win with a late penalty in front of 21,932 fans.
“We closed out a really tight game,” Schmidt said. “Some of the tries were spectacular and were on the back of some really good, but also fortuitous, skill – I think the way Filipo Daugunu chased the ball and got into support positions was a difference-maker for us.
“We built our way into the game in parts, I feel like those lineout steals were really important towards the end of the game.
“It’s nice to have clear things to work on but we know [next week’s opponent] Georgia are going to be formidable – they beat Japan today and then we have South Africa coming here with a fairly physical approach to the game.”
The Wallabies got the Melbourne crowd out of their seats early after some risky passes on the Wallabies’ own line saw the ball in 2025 Waratahs recruit Andrew Kellaway’s hands on the right edge.
With the Welsh defence honing in and few options, the winger chipped for himself on his own line and re-gathered, batting the ball back in one motion for Fraser McReight, who raced away downfield before finding a flying Filipo Daugunu who crossed for the opening try.
Following a Noah Lolesio penalty goal, the Welsh lifted and pressed the Australian line, however it was Jake Gordon and the Wallabies that capitalised on the greasy conditions.
Gordon launched a booming box kick that resulted in a Welsh fumble, and allowed the scrum-half to toe the ball ahead off the round, re-gather and beat the defence to the line.
Wales went back to their rolling maul and it proved highly successful, allowing Dewi Lake to score their opening points.
Their comeback continued when Wallabies lock Lukhan Salakaia-Loto was yellow-carded for a high shot on prop Archie Griffin.
Lake crossed for his second at the back of another powerful maul from the resulting penalty to reduce the margin.
The Wallabies managed to counter each Wales try with a Noah Lolesio penalty to take a 23-14 lead into the break.
Wales built pressure on the home side early in the second half and subsequently reduced the margin to two when fullback Liam Williams sliced through a gap for the first try after half-time.
Once again, the Wallabies responded, with Allan Alaalatoa barging over from close range for his first international try to give Australia a seven-point lead.
However, Wales kept throwing punches at the Wallabies, and Rio Dyer’s brilliant finish in the corner set up a thrilling finish.
The Australian bench stepped up to the occasion and landed some big shots in defence to rattle the Welsh, ultimately leading to a penalty opportunity for replacement fly-half Ben Donaldson from right in front, which he converted to seal the game and a 2-0 series win.
Wallabies 36 (Tries: Daugunu 2, Gordon, Alaalatoa, Conversions: Lolesio 2, Pen Goals: Lolesio 3, Donaldson) defeated Wales 28 (Tries: Lake 2, Williams, Dyer, Conversions: B.Thomas 3, Costelow)
- Wallabies 25 defeated Wales 16, Saturday July 6 at Allianz Stadium, Sydney
- Wallabies 36 defeated Wales 28, Saturday July 13 at AAMI Park, Melbourne
- Wallabies v Georgia, 3:45pm AEST, Saturday July 20 at Allianz Stadium, Sydney
- Wallabies v South Africa, 2:30pm AEST, Saturday August 10 at Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane
- Wallabies v South Africa, 5:45pm AWST, Saturday August 17 at Optus Stadium, Perth
- Wallabies v New Zealand, 3:45pm AEST, Saturday September 21 at Accor Stadium, Sydney
Tickets to the Wallabies 2024 Home Tests are available to purchase here.
