Wales v Australia LIVE: Rugby World Cup 2023 result and reaction from record win as Wallabies face shock exit
Wales 40-6 Australia: Warren Gatland’s side enjoyed a night to remember as Eddie Jones suffered a humiliating World Cup defeat in Lyon
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Your support makes all the difference.Wales thumped Australia to cruise into the quarter-finals of the Rugby World Cup with a game to spare, leaving the Wallabies and head coach Eddie Jones staring at the humiliation of a first-ever group-stage exit.
An early break from Gareth Davies set Wales on their way to a comprehensive victory and although Warren Gatland lost fly-half Dan Bigger to a concerning shoulder injury, replacement Gareth Anscombe came off the bench to contribute 23 points.
Anscombe also set up Wales’ second try with a clever chip to Nick Tompkins, as Gatland’s side continued to choose their moments in what was a clinical victory, before Jac Morgan crashed over to seal a record 40-6 scoreline for Wales in this fixture.
The result was a disaster for Australia and Jones, who desperately needed a win after their earlier defeat to Fiji in Pool C. The two-time champions are now set to record their worst-ever performance in World Cup history.
Follow all the reaction after Wales recorded their biggest-ever win against Australia to reach the quarter-finals
Wales 13-6 Australia
34 mins: A nice period of possession for Australia who, unlike many teams this tournament, seem happy to play multi-phase rugby and keep the ball in the hands. Up to ten phases...but that’s all they get as Koroibete throws the ball out of play looking for Kellaway out on the left.
PENALTY! Wales 13-6 Australia (Anscombe, 29 mins)
29 mins: What a terrible passage of play for Australia. They had a chance for an easy three points and now find themselves seven points behind.
From the Wallabies lineout, Wales win back the ball and a penalty in the process. The move breaks down but they come back for the penalty and Gatland’s side aren’t going to pass up on the three points.
Australia should be just one point behind but a few moments of bad decision-making has cost them dearly.
Wales 10-6 Australia
26 mins: Leota makes a huge surge down the left side as Australian surge into the Wales 22. They come infield and Rowlands does superbly - at first - to secure the turnover.
But as they look to clear, Wales give away a penalty at the same breakdown.
Australia, interestingly, opt for the corner...and make a right mess of it. Wales pouch the ball and a thunderous kick up the pitch now has the Wallabies under heaps of pressure in just a matter of moments.
PENALTY! Wales 10-6 Australia (Anscombe, 21 mins)
21 mins: The best way to get over a missed kick? Another opportunity two minutes later. Australia must be conceding too many penalties for their liking in these early stages and Anscombe makes no mistake this time, slotting over to extend Wales’ small lead.
PENALTY MISSED! Wales 7-6 Australia
19 mins: An Australian infringement at the breakdown gives Anscombe the chance to settle some nerves with an early penalty...of the post! A long-range effort but he’ll be disappointed to pass up on that opportunity from a central position
Wales 7-6 Australia
17 mins: Donaldson makes a big break through the Welsh line but can’t find a man in a gold shirt with his offload.
Wales break up the pitch after a thumping kick from Josh Adams as Kellaway just gets back in time to touch the ball down inside his own 22.
Some concern now for Anscombe - Biggar’s fly-half replacement - after a big challenge but he looks okay for now. Wales can’t afford to see him leaving the pitch too.
PENALTY! Wales 7-6 Australia (Donaldson, 14 mins)
14 mins: Australia win the first battle at the scrum and with the forthcoming penalty a chance to get back within one.
Donaldson makes no mistake and the Wallabies are back within a point.
Wales 7-3 Australia
12 mins: Some early signs of McDermott’s talents from the scrum-half position as he nearly retrieves his own cute kick.
But a massive blow for Wales follows. Biggar can’t continue after that early knock to his shoulder and he’s forced to make way. Anscombe replaces him.
PENALTY! Wales 7-3 Australia (Donaldson, 9 mins)
9 mins: Donaldson, who has moved to fly-half from full-back for this game, kicks the points and Australia are on the board.
Just before that, there was concern for Dan Biggar who went down with a shoulder injury. The Welsh fly-half is back on his feet, though, and will soldier on.
Wales 7-0 Australia
8 mins: Wave after wave of Australian pressure from the lineout as Wales do a great job of repelling the initial Wallabies surge.
A penalty is coming for Australia but Jones’s side finally make inroads as Koroibete surges through the line. He finds Arnold who, in turn, gives it to Bell but the prop spills the ball with the line just inches away.
Back for the penalty and this time they will kick.
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