Wallabies halfback Jake Gordon was a deserved man of the match, guiding the side from the ruck and executing Schmidt’s style of box-kicking and structured attack.
There were plenty of questions around how the Wallabies would play under Schmidt, particularly with only a few weeks of preparation. But it was clear the basics-first, well-rehearsed attack that helped Ireland climb to the top of the rankings will be the style-book for the Wallabies from now on, and Australia repeatedly turned to their pack for a ground-and-pound assault on the Welsh line.
Charlie Cale jumps for a lineout.Credit: Getty Images
Their first try came through Taniela Tupou after a seven-phase pick-and-drive wave, and Filipo Daugunu scored when some well-rehearsed attacking structure drew a penalty advantage and the chance to try their hand wide.
Senior statesmen like Wright, Rob Valetini and Liam Wright shone, and so, too, the cast of many impressive new faces: with Jeremy Williams getting through huge work, and Isaac Kailea showing himself as a hidden gem from the bench.
The Wallabies won’t be getting carried away, however, with the discipline and handling of an inexperienced Wales side largely atrocious. It consistently released pressure on the hosts.
The Wallabies picked apart the Welsh lineout, too, and the gold scrum under new coach Mike Cron was either dominant or untroubled.
Schmidt – who was seen belting out Advance Australia Fair – will not be pleased with the Wallabies’ discipline problems continuing, and allowing Wales to stay in the contest. They conceded 13 penalties, which is semi-standard for Australia but is five penalties off the Irish average under Schmidt.
Australia led 13-10 at the break after an opening half that swung on whoever was playing with discipline and sure hands at the time.
Both Wales and the Wallabies had their moments, and moments to forget.
The visitors got on the board in the third minute, when the Wallabies’ habit of giving away penalties early re-emerged in just the second minute. James Slipper was pinged for not using his arms in a low tackle, and young No.10 Ben Thomas slotted a penalty.
Smart kicking from Noah Lolesio put Australian down in Wales’ corner, though, and the Welsh gave up the first in a string of penalties, which Lolesio slotted to level the scores.
The crowd got to their feet in the ninth minute when a gem of a pass from Hunter Paisami freed Andrew Kellaway, who in turn fed Tom Wright. The play broke down, however, and Lolesio missed a kickable penalty.
His blushes were saved soon after by Tupou, who munched up the Wales scrum and gave Lolesio a three-pointer.
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As Australia began to play by the Schmidt’s rugby-by-numbers style guide, with strong runs, box kicking and good breakdown work, Wales’ discipline and handling continued to struggle.
It allowed the Wallabies to stay in Wales’ half and build pressure, and soon the hosts were in the Welsh red zone. Their intent was clear when the forwards began pick-and-driving near the line, and after seven charges, Tupou barged over on the eighth.
Wales lost a man to a yellow card in the play, and Australia had the chance to push on.
But they did the opposite, and began giving away penalties again. Wales built pressure on the Wallabies’ line through some rolling mauls, and in the 23rd minute, one paid off.
French referee Pierre Brousset gave the Welsh a penalty try and Fraser McReight was shown a yellow card for bringing the maul down.
The last 10 minutes of the half saw both sides attempt to build pressure but they struggled to hold onto the ball in the greasy conditions, and some poor exit kicking from Australia compounded the pressure.
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Schmidt would have insisted the Wallabies fix their discipline problems at the break, but they didn’t. In the 45th minute, Wales banged over another penalty.
But Australia settled and returned down to the Welsh quarter, where they returned to the bash-and-barge. A 14-phase attack was foiled but the pressure told eventually, when some structured attack drew an advantage, and the Wallabies flung it wide to attack.
In an incredible try, Daugunu found a gap and sprinted for the line, but was brought down five metres out by Mason Grady. So dewy was the grass, however, he slid all the way over the line.
Wales went close to equalling, soon after, when they rolled in a try and the referee gave it, but it was disallowed upon review for obstruction.
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