That was a brutal and perfectly timed hit from Rob Valetini on James Botham that leads to a penalty for the Wallabies that Noah Lolesio kicks over. Valetini is also the Wallabies top carrier tonight with eight so far and he has been a menace in the loose. That’s it for the half.
It’s certainly been entertaining. Wallabies 23 Wales 14 Hunter Paisami of the Wallabies is tackled Credit: Getty Images Wallabies second-row Lukhan Salakaia-Loto gets yellow carded for a high shot on Wales prop Archie Griffin. It’s gone to review, but what should save Loto is that he was dipping when he went into contact.
The Wallabies pack is weakened and as the penalty is called, Wales take a brave call, kick for touch, take the lineout and the captain Dewi Lake gets his second try. Thomas nails his conversion and it’s a six-point ball game. Wallabies 20 Wales 14 Mason Grady of Wales is tackled Credit: Getty Images There’s a great response from the Welsh in the shape of their captain and hooker Dewi Lake who muscles over from the Welsh pack for a try.
We have a game back on our hands. It shows this Welsh side are never out of it. It’s a serious wakeup call.
The Wallabies have got a penalty which Noah Lolesio duly strokes over, making him 100% off the tee tonight. Wallabies 20 Wales 7 Fraser McReight of the Wallabies runs with the ball Credit: Getty Images That is a popular try for the Wallabies. Jake Gordon hits a high box kick and Wales full back Cameron Winnett spills it.
It falls perfectly to Gordon who kicks the ball, picks it up slaloms past the Welsh defence to score. Beautiful. Wallabies 17 Wales 0 Tom Wright with the ball for the Wallabies Credit: Getty Images No sooner had Filipo Daugunu combined with Jake Gordon to make a try saving tackle on James Botham but the Wallabies lineout misfunctions right on their line with the ball slipping through Charlie Cale’s grasp and Taine Plumtree just missing out on a certain try.
The Wallabies will need to get their lineout issues sorted out quickly, the Welsh will have no problems with this greasy ball. Luckily the scrum is far stronger for the Wallabies as they drive the Welsh back with ease. There are some huge defensive shots coming from both sides as the rain starts hammering down in Melbourne.
Wallabies 10 Wales 0 Jeremy Williams of the Wallabies is tackled in Melbourne Credit: Getty Images The patience and power of this Wallabies pack is great to see tonight in Melbourne. Every time Jake Gordon gets to the breakdown, he has a luxury of choice of carriers with Taniela Tupou and Rob Valetini particularly damaging. Charlie Cale is extremely mobile and his speed is causing headaches already.
Noah Lolesio makes it 100% from the tee with a penalty. A bad penalty miss from his Welsh counterpart Ben Thomas in the 10 jersey, who is normally an inside centre. Wallabies 10 Wales 0 Filipo Daugunu of the Wallabies celebrates with team mates Credit: Getty Images Wow.
It looked like the Wallabies were in all sorts of difficulties there after a wild pass from Noah Lolesio put Tom Wright in all sorts of trouble. Somehow Andrew Kellaway beautifully tidies up the mess, sidestepping the Welsh defence, with a beautiful chip and chase that he collects, giving it to Fraser McReight who powers up the field before getting the rapid Filipo Daugunu to finish. The Wallaby way.
A young Wallabies fan enjoys the action Credit: Getty Images.
