Wallabies player ratings: How the men in gold fared against Wales

The Wallabies have consigned Wales to their worst-ever losing streak of 11 in a row and have also kept their hopes of a Grand Slam tour on track with a comprehensive 52-20 win over Wales in Cardiff.

Last week Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii received the headlines for his outstanding debut against England, but against Wales, there were hat-tricks for both hooker Matt Faessler and fullback Tom Wright in a performance that gives this Australian team a significant confidence boost ahead of a tougher Scotland team next week.

Here’s how Australia’s players fared.

1) Angus Bell - 5

So often one of the Wallabies’ very best, but this was a rare poor game from Bell. Penalised twice at scrum time and never looked comfortable against Welsh tighthead Archie Griffin. Penalised for a no-arms tackle on 29 minutes. The Wallabies top ball carrier with 17, but will want to return to his normal lofty standards next week in Edinburgh.

2) Matt Faessler - 8.5

Became the first Wallabies hooker to score a hat-trick of tries, giving Wales a taste of their own medicine at the heart of a damaging rolling maul. Extremely accurate with his lineout throwing in a great all-around performance.

3) Allan Alaalatoa - 6.5

Given a start due to Taniela Tupou’s knee injury and reminded everyone of his skill as a captain. After Samu Kerevi’s initial yellow card just before half-time (later upgraded to red), most skippers would have elected for a calming three points to kill the clock and regroup. Alaalatoa backed his pack with a lineout to the corner and was rewarded with seven vital points which became even more vital after they lost a man for 20 minutes.

4) Will Skelton - 7

The Wallabies’ rolling maul was deadly and his muscular presence in the middle of it provided a big advantage. Took a while to work his way into the game, but provided a comforting presence for his pack.

Tom Wright breaks through to score his third tryCredit: Getty Images

5) Nick Frost - 6.5

A mixed bag of tricks from this wonderfully athletic forward who stands at 206cm. Ran 50 metres for a try, but also missed five tackles. Provides a constant threat on the opposition’s throw at the lineout.

6) Seru Uru - 6.5

Provides a great lineout option and looked very settled in the side given it was just his second Wallabies’ cap. Carried well when he got the ball and was a busy presence in his 58 minutes on the field.

The Wallabies celebrate victory in CardiffCredit: Getty Images

7) Fraser McReight - 7

Wasn’t able to disrupt opposition ball nearly as much as he would like, but still led the Wallabies in the tackle count with 22. A committed and fearless breakaway in the mould of Michael Hooper, always willing to put his body on the line for the team. Didn’t stop working for the whole game.

8) Rob Valetini - 7

Carried for 37 metres and alongside Skelton provided a granite tough presence in the loose that troubled the Welsh pack.

9) Nic White - 5.5

Came into the side as a starter due to Jake Gordon’s nasty head gash and the team lost a fraction of tempo. At 40 minutes with the Wallabies in a brilliant attacking position, the veteran halfback played the ball on the floor for a cheap penalty.

10) Noah Lolesio - 7

Noticeably grew in confidence as the game went on. Shaky start with wild distribution, throwing a pass directly into touch on seven minutes and scuffing his first conversion attempt after Tom Wright’s opening try. Nailed the next six in a row and combined well with his backline.

11) Max Jorgensen - 7

The Test rookie made some strong early defensive reads, and threw a brilliant flick pass to help set up Nick Frost’s try. Threw a wild offload late in the game that should have led to a Welsh try, but can be happy with his work in Cardiff.

12) Samu Kerevi - 4

Started the game brightly as the Wallabies’ premier ball carrier with 15 taking a direct approach into contact, but was red-carded for a high shot which was clumsy. Not the way he wanted to make his international comeback or mark his 50th appearance for the Wallabies.

13) Len Ikitau - 7

Danced over for a late try that added some stardust to a solid performance to the centre who is becoming one of Joe Schmidt’s first selections. Carried the ball for 62 metres.

14) Andrew Kellaway - 8.5

One of his best performances for his country. Made 11 tackles, including an outstanding one at 43 minutes with a slim lead of six points. Got down low and brought down Max Llewellyn who had the 14-man defence totally stretched. Great under the high ball and in attack.

15) Tom Wright - 9

Another wonderful performance from a world-class fullback. A hat-trick of tries and also took a crucial turnover on 50 minutes with his side completely stretched after Kerevi’s red card. Three line breaks and a player who is at the top of his game and causing panic to opposition coaches.

16) Brandon Paenga-Amosa - 6

Added muscle to the maul as usual, but wasn’t needed as much in the scrum where he really thrives and does his best work. Overthrew a promising lineout late in the game.

17) James Slipper - 5

Brought on in the second half with Bell struggling in the scrum, and gave away a penalty of his own in a brief 20-minute cameo.

18) Zane Nonggorr - 6

Great experience for the tighthead prop in the absence of Tupou and was desperate for work in the loose.

19) Lukhan Salakaia-Loto - 7

Had a brilliant one-handed lineout steal at 58 minutes with the Wallabies near their try line and Wales ready to employ the rolling maul.

20) Langi Gleeson - 6

The Waratah is growing into an international breakaway and is always eager for carries when he comes on the field and it was no different in Cardiff.

21) Tate McDermott - 7

He is a defender’s nightmare late in the game and so it proved again in Cardiff. Did brilliantly to dance through tackles and break through from his own half to set up Wright’s last try. A victim of his own success, deserves a start, but is so effective off the bench.

22) Ben Donaldson - N/A

Only on the field for five minutes

23) Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii - 6.5

After the excitement of his brilliant debut at Twickenham, it was a quieter performance off the bench with 18 minutes of work. Still provided a threat as a decoy runner. Should start against Scotland.