The Wallabies secured a tense 25-16 victory over Wales in Sydney, marking a successful start to the Joe Schmidt era.
This win comes ten months after a devastating 40-6 defeat to the same opponent that ended Australia’s Rugby World Cup campaign. The highlight of the match was a stunning 68-metre solo try by fullback Tom Wright, which sealed the victory in front of 35,945 fans at Allianz Stadium.
Additional tries from prop Taniela Tupou and winger Filipo Daugunu, along with a stellar man-of-the-match performance by Jake Gordon, contributed to the Wallabies’ gritty performance.
Despite a bruising and error-laden match, Australia emerged victorious, with only seven players from the previous record-breaking loss to Wales remaining in the lineup.
Recalled five-eighth Noah Lolesio and debutant Tom Lynagh also played crucial roles in securing the win. The match saw the Wallabies battling ill-discipline issues and overcoming a penalty try that brought Wales within three points at halftime.
Ultimately, Wright’s electrifying try and solid defensive efforts helped the Wallabies break their poor streak in Sydney, where they had previously won only one of their last twelve tests.
