The Qantas Wallabies have defeated Wales 32 to 8 at Principality Stadium in Cardiff on Sunday morning getting their Grand Slam tour off to a winning start.
The Wallabies have now won 12 in a row against Wales, maintaining a perfect record against the Dragons from 2009.
Australia dominated possession and territory running in five tries to Wales’ one as the Wallabies dismantled the Welsh defence in the first half and finished well in the second.
Australia’s quest for a Grand Slam continues next week when the Wallabies play Scotland in Edinburgh.
Bernard Foley and Welsh fullback Leigh Halfpenny traded penalties in the opening ten minutes as the two packs jostled for superiority at the breakdown.
The first try to the men in gold came off the back of a powerful rolling maul from the Australian forwards who rumbled over the line to score in the corner take the score to 3-8.
The Wallabies dominated possession and territory in the opening quarter of the match, as Wales were barely able to escape their own half, but the defence from Wales made going tough for the Wallabies who rued missed opportunities to extend the lead.
Wales were reduced to 14 men with flyhalf Dan Biggar pulling down Dane Haylett-Petty, squandering what would have led to a try for the men in gold.
Back to back tries to Australia through Wallabies centre pairing of Reece Hodge and Tevita Kuridrani gave Australia a commanding 20-3 lead where the score would remain at the interval
A significantly improved Wales emerged from the Principality Stadium sheds in Cardiff, as Wales scrapped for every possible opportunity for possession, slowing down the Wallabies ball and creating a tough battle up front.
Wales capitalised on the swing of momentum with a brilliant individual try from centre Scott Williams who kicked in behind the Wallabies defence to regather and score in the corner. Dan Biggar couldn’t add the extras taking the score to 8-25.
Tries to Bernard Foley and Dane Haylett-Petty continued the good day at the office for the Wallabies backs, ensuring Australia continued its winning streak in Cardiff with a 8-32 score line.
Australia will now travel to Edinburgh for the second leg of the Grand Slam with the match to be broadcast live on beIN Sports.
HOW IT HAPPENED:
4 mins: Bernard Foley pen WAL 0-3 AUS
6 mins: Leigh Halfpenny pen WAL 3-3 AUS
10 mins: Stephen Moore try, WAL 3-8 AUS
26 mins: Reece Hodge try, WAL 3-13 AUS
34 mins: Tevita Kuridrani try, Bernard Foley con, WAL 3-20 AUS
HALF TIME
54 mins: Bernard Foley try WAL 3-25 AUS
62 mins: Scott Williams try, WAL 8-25 AUS
75 mins: Dane Haylett-Petty try, Bernard Foley con WAL 8-32 AUS
Australia 32 (Stephen Moore, Reece Hodge, Tevita Kuridrani, Bernard Foley, Dane Haylett-Petty tries; Bernard Foley 2 cons; Bernard Foley pens) defeated Wales 8 (Scott Williams try ; Leigh Halfpenny pen)
