That result dashed the hopes of Japan, surprise conquerors of South Africa in their opening match, reaching a first ever quarter-final berth which they would have been fighting for today against the United States if the Scots had lost.
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The reward for the Wallabies was a quarter-final clash with Scotland which edged out Samoa 33-30, and also the knowledge they had avoided a semi-final showdown with World Cup heavyweights South Africa and the All Blacks.
Neither side managed a try. Up stepped Bernard Foley, and over went a fifth penalty from his trusty boot to extend the lead.
Foley got a third penalty before half time but then the unthinkable happened as Biggar, the tournament’s best fly-half so far, missed the chance to draw the scores level as the teams trotted in at the break at 9-6. Both are world class in their positions and although Michael Cheika has developed depth in the squad, those two simply can’t be replaced.
“At the same time, Australia defended extremely well and you have to give them credit for that”.
“I think it’s been pretty clear that we go full on every game we play”, he said. It was a different type of game for us so we just had to show a different skin.
But Wales’ failure to cross Australia’s line even when the Wallabies were down to 13 men will not have escaped the Springboks.
“The team is working hard together and that good work ethic is what saw us through”.
Asked if he preferred Saturday’s success to the Wallabies’ win over England, Cheika replied: “I liked tonight’s win because as a forward, and not a very talented one, it was just about getting stuck in”. “It is not complicated”.
Cross-code star Israel Folau has vowed to do everything in his power to ensure he’s fit to play in the World Cup quarterfinal after pushing through the pain barrier to help the Wallabies to an epic win against Wales.
“There’s a few sore bodies, it was a physical game but everyone’s got a smile on their face”, winger Adam Ashley-Cooper told reporters on Sunday.
“We have got to go again next week against an incredibly physical side in South Africa”. The back row is one of the Wallabies’ strengths but Hooper’s absence, Pocock’s injury and a substituted Sean McMahon forced Scott Fardy to play openside flanker for 20 minutes. Wales captain Sam Warburton paid tribute to the fortress put along the Wallaby touchline.
If their demolition of England was a scintillating display in attack, this win against Wales was a masterclass in defence as the Australians came through a 10-minute spell unscathed in the second half, despite being reduced to 13 men.
“If we spend that much time in the 22, we’ve got to come away with a try”.
Rugby World Cup finals have all been won with an accent on defence, and Australia have done their prospects of lifting the Webb Ellis Trophy in three weeks no harm at all by adhering to Nathan Grey’s defensive systems.
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Australia ran in three tries against England a week ago, but couldn’t cross the whitewash against Warren Gatland’s men.
