Australia captain Stephen Moore has hailed the Wallabies’ defensive resilience that thwarted Wales and kept them on course for a possible third world title.
– RWC: Ireland beat France but injuries strike
– RWC: Williams ruled out, becoming latest casualty
– #RWC2015 Diary: Hard work the key for Wallabies
Although five Bernard Foley penalties saw Australia home 15-6 at Twickenham, it was a remarkable seven-minute spell of stonewall defence that held the key to victory. Scrum-half Will Genia and lock Dean Mumm had received yellow cards in rapid succession, yet despite Wales pummelling away at their line, Australia somehow held out through a 13-man effort that bordered on the heroic.
“It is one of the best wins I’ve been involved with in this team. I am so proud of all the boys,” Moore said. “We had to defend there with 13 players for long periods, and I am really proud about how we stuck in for each other.
“The guys just kept getting up off the ground and making tackles. It’s nothing too complicated, we just kept working hard for each other.”
STERN DEFENCE: Was this the best passage of defence in #RWC history? #AUSvWAL #RWC2015 https://t.co/pEQHQKiYQC
— Rugby World Cup (@rugbyworldcup) October 10, 2015
Lock Kane Douglas was in the thick of Australia’s defensive rearguard as Wales found themselves repeatedly denied. On three occasions, they went over the Wallabies’ line, but could not ground possession.
“It was tough,” Douglas said. “We had to dig deep – we had to do a few big scrums. It was pretty satisfying, eventually getting the ball out of our own end and getting the turnover. We were in a pretty tough position.
“I can’t put the nail on exactly what it was. I think ‘Cheikie’ (Michael Cheika) brings a pretty good culture, everyone has bought into it and it’s a really good feeling.“
And wing Drew Mitchell said: “We have been working on those situations in training, and we have the belief to get through those situations. It was a great moment for the group, and a real tip of the hat for the guys out there at the time.”
Australia’s triumph was in stark contrast to their record 33-13 win against England the previous weekend. Whereas that performance proved to be an all-singing, all-dancing affair as they repeatedly shredded England’s defence, the Wales success was based on defensive power and mental strength.
Australia defence coach Nathan Grey admitted the whole team’s performance was “exceptional”. He said: “We have a complete trust in the players to be able to deal with those situations.
“We train for it occasionally – not too much – but the effort that it takes the guys in terms of making those tackles and getting up off the ground and getting back in the defensive line, it doesn’t take a lot of talent it just takes a lot of determination.”
Given the combination of both rugby styles, it is little wonder that Australia are now fancied by many to add another World Cup triumph to their portfolio following wins in 1991 and 1999.
No country has ever won the World Cup three times, but Australia have now given themselves potentially an easier route to the final, with Scotland next Sunday, then Ireland or Argentina in their way.
“It just shows the hard work we have put in over the last few months, and the work that Michael Cheika has been doing since he joined,” Wallabies prop Sekope Kepu said. “There is belief and trust in the squad, and we are ready to dig deep for each other. It shows the character of the team – never taking a backward step.”
Australia’s only injury issue is No. 8 David Pocock who limped off in the second half.
“He got a knock in his calf and came off so we are just assessing that today,” said Grey, refusing to speculate on whether he is a doubt for the Scotland game.
