Why is he on the bench? Wallabies playmaking bungle exposed in loss to Wales
The Wallabies made a playmaking bungle which cost them dearly in a tight loss to Wales, writes JAMIE PANDARAM. All Australian players rated inside.
Wallabies
Don't miss out on the headlines from Wallabies. Followed categories will be added to My News.
Dane Haylett-Petty: Lively in attack, showed some of his best work back at his favoured position at fullback. The Wallabies’ most potent attacker. 7.
Adam Ashley-Cooper: A try justified his start, but some wrong defensive reads typified Australia’s overall showing. 5.
James O’Connor: Smart ball-playing at times, panicked at others, most notably when rocked in a tackle to knock on. 6.
Stream the Rugby World Cup 2019 on KAYO SPORTS. Every match Live & On-Demand on your TV, computer, mobile or tablet. Get your 14 day free trial >
Samu Kerevi: Always dangerous with ball in hand, found metres when needed. Controversially penalised for a forearm in attack and gave away the last turnover to kill Australia’s chances, but a key weapon. 7.
Marika Koroibete: Outjumped by Hadleigh Parkes for Wales’ first try, ran hard when he found the ball, but couldn’t break the Welsh shackles. 6.5.
Bernard Foley: A flat showing with his Test career under the gravest scrutiny. Set up Ashley-Cooper’s try but threw an intercept, missed a crucial goal and dropped the ball cold in attack before he was hooked after 44 minutes. 4.
Will Genia: His intercepted pass — regardless of whether Gareth Davies was on-side — gave Wales the game. Took too long to release his pass on numerous occasions, allowing the Welsh defence to race up and dominate collisions. 5.
Isi Naisarani: Caught carrying too high early in the game, but adjusted and made some impressive carries in the middle of the match. 6.5.
Michael Hooper: A talismanic display yet again from the skipper; incessant running, tackling, and courageous decision-making, Rewarded with a try. 7.5.
David Pocock: A breakdown menace, but impressive with ball carries and showed his skill when setting up Haylett-Petty’s try with an offload in contact. 7.
Rory Arnold: Astonishing output from the big man, involved in everything from hit-ups, rucks, tackles, lineouts and scrums. Best Wallaby on the park by a stretch. 8.5.
Izack Rodda: Lineout steals and tough runs when needed, but couldn’t take the physical battle by the scruff of the neck as hoped. 6.5.
Allan Alaalatoa: Big involvement in attack while keeping the scrum sturdy, another showing of power and effort from the premier tight-head. 7.
Tolu Latu: Solid lineout throwing and some stern charges in attack helped the Wallabies climb back, however not the same intense impact in defence. 7.
Scott Sio: Looked for yardage, gave up one scrum penalty but overall worked hard enough to prevent Wales taking ascendancy at the set-piece. 6.
Jordan Uelese: Held the scrum up well when he came on, and was enthusiastic enough as the game hung in the balance under huge pressure. 6.
James Slipper: Another powerful scrummaging display, winning Australia a crucial late penalty. 6.5.
Sekope Kepu: Gave away an unfortunate penalty but was part of the strong shove that rocked the Welsh scrum late. 6.5.
Adam Coleman: Didn’t get much chance to impose himself on the contest but was reliable in the key areas. 5.5.
Lukhan Salakaia-Loto: Tried to bring physicality late in the match, stood up in the face of desperate defence and tackled hard. 6.
Nic White: Looked far better than last week, creating space around the ruck and giving Wales headaches with his change of direction. 6.5.
Matt Toomua: Why is he on the bench? Australia’s best playmaker by a mile. Immediately improved their attack when he entered play, sparking the comeback with brilliant running, passing and kicking. 7.5.
Kurtley Beale: Too little time to do too much. The Welsh defence was too organised to allow Beale to weave late magic. 5.