Anscombe kicks Wales into Rugby World Cup quarterfinals as Australia crushed
Wales became the first Rugby World Cup team to reach the quarter-finals on Sunday, effectively closing the door on Australia's hopes. The much more experienced Welsh won by a record 40-6, expertly executing a disciplined, low-risk game plan and dealing with Australian mistakes.
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“We were alert, we controlled the game, but we didn't really give them anything, Wales coach Warren Gatland said. This team is getting better and better and with some confidence and momentum we are in a pretty good position right now.”
The Wallabies have never missed out on a quarter-final but, having lost back-to-back pool games for the first time in 36 years, their fate lies in the hands of their tiny Pacific neighbor Fiji, who upended them last week.
Australia must win their final Group C game against Portugal next weekend, but it won't matter if Fiji account for their remaining games against Georgia and Portugal. If so, the Fijians will follow Wales in the quarter-finals and the lockout will confirm Australia's worst fears.
"I'm embarrassed for the Australian people, said captain Dave Porecchi. We were hoping to put on a show. It just wasn't good enough. It hurts".
A penalty for the error-prone Wallabies gave replacement halfback Gareth Anscombe a chance to practice his throwing. He converted six of seven penalties (one miss hit the post) and converted a try he set up for center Nick Thompkins.
Wales Achieves Historic Victory Over Australia at Rugby World Cup
With high stakes on the line, Wales rose to the occasion at OL Stadium, recording their biggest win over Australia in their 115-year history and handing the Wallabies their heaviest World Cup defeat.
Anscombe came on in the 12th minute after stud Dan Biggar apparently injured his pectoral muscle in a tackle and Wales made no miss. The performance was Anscombe's personal triumph. He was Wales' first choice halfback in 2019, but a knee injury forced him to miss this year's Rugby World Cup and two seasons. A shoulder injury against Australia last November kept him out of action for five months.
He repaid coach Warren Gatland's faith by literally pushing the Wallabies. His 23 points, including a goal, equaled Biggar against England in 2015 for the most points by a Welshman in a World Cup match.
“Dan Biggar means so much to this team, he is a true spiritual leader,” Anscombe said. I knew I just needed to go out and do my part and that was all I was focused on. Our guys in attack were outstanding, they dominated set pieces and I was just able to keep pushing forward.”
Wales scored three tries without conceding and left Australia scoreless after 14 minutes. Captain Jack Morgan, plugging both bleeding nostrils with cotton swabs, scored the first try and scored the last in another brilliant performance.
Just inside the third minute, Wales called for a short lineout and Morgan crossed from behind. After a quick tapkins, Thompkins' inside pass met Morgan in a huge gap and scrum-half Gareth Davies supported him to complete his eighth try in three Rugby World Cups.
Wales Stymies Australia's Attack and Dominates Set Pieces
Biggar converted the play and was replaced by Anscombe as Australia dominated. The Wallabies patiently built up the pressure in stages but were unable to finish it off. Timeouts Tate McDermott and Ben Donaldson made breaks but were unable to make the final passes.
Donaldson took two penalties to close the score at 7–6 and was awarded another penalty for the advantage. But Australia opted for touch and an attacking lineout, but no one was raised to catch and Wales took advantage of the gift and cleared the ball.
Australia never recovered and conceded soft penalties to Anscombe to mark the scoreboard. Wales led 16–6 at half-time and 103 tackles kept Australia at bay. Wales had just 38 tackles to make in the second half. They won 27 of 28 set pieces and the Wallabies' confidence waned.
A scrum penalty three minutes into the new half handed the tee back to Anscombe and Wales didn't look back. Morgan scored his third try in the 78th after a lineout maul and then held Suliasi Vunivalu over the line, preventing Australia from even getting a consolation score. RWC fans can buy Wales Rugby World Cup Tickets from our website.
Wales Rugby Team Qualifies for Quarter Finals at Rugby World Cup
In a thrilling display of rugby prowess and unwavering determination, the Wales rugby team has secured their spot in the quarter-finals of the 2023 Rugby World Cup. Their journey through the group stage has been nothing short of impressive, and they now stand poised to take on the world's best in the knockout stages.
Group Stage Triumph
Wales began their Rugby World Cup campaign with a bang, facing formidable opponents and demonstrating their mettle on the field. Their opening match against Fiji was a closely contested affair, with the Welsh side emerging victorious with a score of 32-26. This hard-fought win set the tone for their campaign and showcased their resilience under pressure.
The team's triumph over Fiji followed by a dominant performance against Portugal, securing a commanding 50-3 victory. This resounding win not only demonstrated Wales' ability to control the game but also highlighted their versatility as a team capable of both attacking flair and solid defense.
Crucial Clash with Australia
One of the defining moments of Wales' journey to the quarter-finals their highly anticipated clash with Australia. This match seen as a true test of their World Cup aspirations, as Australia had been a formidable adversary on the international stage. In a hard-fought battle, Wales emerged victorious, winning 28-23.
The win against Australia not only secured their place in the quarter-finals but also signaled Wales' intent to be genuine contenders for the Webb Ellis Cup. It is a game characterize by unwavering commitment, exceptional skill, and the ability to seize crucial moments.
Key Players
Wales' success in the group stage can attributed to the remarkable performances of key players who have consistently risen to the occasion. Players like Dan Biggar, Josh Adams, and Gareth Davies have been instrumental in steering the team to victory. Their composure under pressure and their ability to make game-changing plays have been pivotal.
Additionally, the team's forward pack, led by Taulupe Faletau and Aaron Wainwright, has shown tremendous physicality and work rate. Their efforts in the scrums, lineouts, and breakdowns have ensured that Wales maintains control of vital facets of the game.
Looking Ahead to the Quarter Finals
As Wales prepares to enter the quarter-finals, they do so with a sense of purpose and belief. Their journey through the group stage has marked by a combination of skill, teamwork, and an unrelenting desire to succeed. But, the Welsh squad, under the guidance of their coaching staff, is now focus on fine-tuning their strategies and addressing any areas that need improvement.
The quarter-finals promise to be intense, with the world's top rugby nations vying for a coveted place in the semi-finals. For Wales, the path ahead is challenging, but they have demonstrated that they have the talent and resolve to compete at the highest level.
Wales fly-half Dan Biggar ruled out of game against Georgia
Wales head coach Warren Gatland has revealed that veteran midfielder Dan Biggar will miss the upcoming Rugby World Cup game against Georgia following his latest injury setback. The 33-year-old suffered the injury in the eighth minute of the game against Australia in Lyon last weekend and seen playing in pain until the 12th minute when he left the field clutching his shoulder.
He is replace by Gareth Anscombe, who scored 23 points and named man of the match, leading Wales to a 40-6 victory and reaching the quarter-finals of the tournament - the fourth time they have done so under Gatland.
Gatland said after the game that Biggar would require at least a two-week recovery period, effectively ruling him out of the match against Georgia at the Stade de la Beaujoire on October 7. "Dan pulled his chest, we're not sure about that, Gatland said.
“I haven’t spoken to the medics, but I have spoken to Dan and they say it will probably be a couple of weeks. We have a 13-day break before we play Georgia, so that potentially takes him out of that match just to recover."
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