Australia vs Wales, Rugby World Cup 2019: Result and reaction from thrilling clash in Tokyo
Re-live all the action and reaction from a World Cup classic
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Your support makes all the difference.Wales put one foot in the World Cup quarter-finals and announced themselves as major title contenders after beating Australia 29-25 at Tokyo Stadium.
The Six Nations champions took charge of Pool D with a second successive win that could lead to a last-eight clash against France or Argentina.
Australia, though, might be hurtling towards a knockout tie with England, who are coached by former Wallabies boss Eddie Jones, despite staging a spectacular second-half fightback.
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A brilliant half of rugby from the Welsh. As was the case against Georgia, Warren Gatland's man flew out of the blocks to take the game to their opponents. It was a smart performance, one that combined patience and composure with a streak of clinical ruthlessness.
Dan Biggar's smart kicking handed Wales their initial lead, a well-timed crossfield boot picking out Hadleigh Parkes in the corner to dive over. Admittedly, their focus slipped a little bit as the Australian's superior firepower cranked into life and started to puncture holes in the Welsh defence.
But Gatland's side responded in style, with some Gareth Davies magic - and a helping hand from Will Genia - placing Wales firmly on the front foot.
Here's what my colleague Jack de Menezes, who is on match report duty for today's game, had to say about Australia's half-backs:
Michael Cheika's neck is on the line here with this half-back selection. Genia and Foley are on course to cost Australia any chance of winning this game. Genia is dallying on the ball and too often taking a step at the ruck before passing, while Foley doesn't look at the pace of what has been a frighteningly fast match. His World Cup was very much four years ago, but I'm struggling to see what he's doing today that Christian Lealiifano couldn't last week.
No news yet on whether Dan Biggar has passed his HIA. He was seen on the bench as that first half drew to a close. Rhys Patchell, however, has certainly stepped up to the plate in his place. If Biggar is fit, it'll be interesting to see if Gatland sticks or twists given the manner in which his men ended that first 40.
Out come Wales, led by Alun Wyn Jones. Rhys Patchell is still on. Looks like he's going to be in charge for the rest of the match. A big 40 beckons for him.
And here are the Aussies. We're moments away from the second half!
KICK-OFF! Bernard Foley gets us under way, sending it high and short.
41 min: Australia 8-23 Wales
Josh Navidi soars through the air to claim before Wales set up for the clearance. It's booted back to the Aussies who look to build.
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