Two down, two to go. The Wallabies are midway to claiming their first Grand Slam in 40 years after smashing Wales in Cardiff to file back-to-back victories.
Regardless of letting an enormous first-half lead slip via their fingers to enter the sheds with only a 19-13 benefit, Joe Schmidt’s Wallabies ran in 5 tries within the second half to file an emphatic 54-20 victory.
Hooker Matt Faessler scored a fast fireplace hat-trick within the rout, whereas Tom Wright, who opened the scoring, completed with three tries himself after dotting down late out huge.
They may now head to Edinburgh with their tails up as they dare to dream of changing into the primary Wallabies aspect since Andrew Slack’s in 1984 to defeat England, Wales, Scotland and Eire on the identical tour.
Matt Faessler had a night to recollect in Cardiff after scoring a hat-trick in opposition to Wales on the Principality Stadium on November 17, 2024. (Photograph by David Rogers/Getty Photos)
However whether or not they have Samu Kerevi – the Japan-based inside centre, who introduced up his fiftieth Take a look at and first since final yr’s ill-fated World Cup marketing campaign – stays to be seen after the bullocking midfielder was proven an upgraded crimson card for a excessive shot on flanker Jac Morgan.
The choice shocked many, not least former All Blacks playmaker Andrew Mehrtens, who mentioned the “TMO’s obtained no concept” after mitigation for the excessive shot seemed obvious.
Regardless of taking place to 14 males for 20 minutes the Wallabies weren’t troubled.
Recalled tight-head prop Allan Alaalatoa, who regained the captaincy within the absence of injured skipper Harry Wilson, opted to kick for the nook and the choice paid off not as soon as however twice because the maul obtained going and Faessler scored twice in fast succession.
Ben Thomas hit again for Wales stemmed the bleeding briefly within the 67th minute nevertheless it didn’t cease for lengthy as Len Ikitau and Wright scored two late tries.
