Wales vs Australia LIVE: Rugby result, final score and Autumn Nations Series 2021 reaction
The hosts prevailed on a dramatic night at the Principality Stadium thanks to Rhys Priestland’s late penalty
Wales‘ Rhys Priestland kicked a penalty after the hooter as the hosts poured more misery on Australia with a 29-28 victory at the Principality Stadium on Saturday following an early red card for visiting number eight Rob Valetini.
Valetini became the fifth player to see red against Wales in the last 12 months but could have few complaints after his dangerous tackle on lock Adam Beard after 14 minutes resulted in a clash of heads.
Hooker Ryan Elias and centre Nick Tompkins scored tries for the home side, who failed to drive home their numerical advantage and were seconds away from losing before they were awarded an offside penalty in the last play of the game.
Australia, who have lost all three matches on their tour after defeats by Scotland and England, scored tries through wings Andrew Kellaway and Filipo Daugunu, plus scrumhalf Nic White but, having highlighted the need to improve their discipline in the week, let themselves down again.
England vs South Africa: Marcus Smith reacts to ‘special’ win
“I can’t believe it, this was the game we wanted to target. The boys bought in, we got close as a group. This was a massive part of our journey. To beat the world champions at home was special.
“It’s a day I’ll never forget. It was mental, having to wait so long. It delayed everything and made it more nerve-racking. I was told, ‘back yourself, believe in yourself,’ it was brilliant.
“It was slow motion to me. Retrieving the kick-off, they came hard, to celebrate at the end was special, this group will never forget that day.
“It’s everything I wanted growing up as a kid, growing up in Asia, it goes down to family. They keep me grounded. Them people around me is special, I'll keep working."
Wales vs Australia
After England’s stunning over the world champions at Twickenham, the action continues as Wales host Australia at a packed Principality Stadium in Cardiff.
Wales survived a scare by 14-man Fiji last weekend and Wayne Pivac’s side are looking to finish their November with a statement win after falling to defeats to New Zealand and South Africa.
Australia, meanwhile, are out to avoid a third defeat in a row, following losses in Edinburgh and London.
It should be a cracker!
FT: England 27-26 South Africa
You don’t win too many games of international rugby conceding 18 penalties. There were times in that second half where it felt like South Africa were about to surge away as momentum swung solely the way of the Springboks, but England just about hung on to dagged them at the death.
FULL TIME! ENGLAND 27-26 SOUTH AFRICA
South Africa captain Siya Kolisi, who is always so impressively magnanimous in defeat:
“We’re disappointed with the loss but it was a great game. It’s a pity that we couldn’t finish strong but I’m proud of the boys. We just made a couple of mistakes.
“We never make excuses - I’m proud of how the boys have done this year. We’ve been so lucky to play.”
FULL TIME! ENGLAND 27-26 SOUTH AFRICA
Incredible scenes at Twickenham! Freddie Steward is the player of the match.
“To be honest I was just thinking, ‘Marcus, please don’t miss!’” he says. “We dug in, we fought. They are so physical. It’s an unbelievable win.
“In those one-point games, when you win the emotion just comes out.
“The last time we played South Africa I was in the student bar! If you said to be then that I’d be out on the pitch I wouldn’t believe you.”
England 27-26 South Africa, 80 minutes
Freddie Steward leaps, tumbles...PENALTY TO ENGLAND! SOUTH AFRICA CRASH INTO THE FULL-BACK IN THE AIR AND THAT WILL SEAL IT FOR ENGLAND!
PENALTY! ENGLAND 27-26 South Africa (Marcus Smith, 80 minutes)
TWICKENHAM ROARS! It’s between the posts! South Africa will restart but England lead with time expiring!
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