Rugby World Cup 2019: ‘Sore and battered’ Wales would have lost previously – Gatland

Warren Gatland was delighted to see Wales edge past Australia in a bruising Rugby World Cup encounter he acknowledged they might well have lost previously.

The Six Nations Grand Slam champions raced out to a 23-8 half-time lead before Australia built momentum in the second period and set up a nervy finish with tries from Dane Haylett-Petty and Michael Hooper.

But Wales clung on to take a 29-25 victory and seize control of Pool D, potentially avoiding England and New Zealand in the quarter-finals and semis.

Gatland saw this as the type of clash Wales would have come up short in prior to the last 12 months in which they have forged a steely reputation, also beating Australia in a Test last November.

“It was pretty special,” he told ITV Sport. “It was a good first half and we hung on in the second half.

“Australia came at us and the boys are pretty sore and battered in the changing rooms. It was a really tough physical game – and those are the ones in the past that we’ve been losing.

“It was nice to hold on at the end and I thought our bench were fantastic and gave us some real momentum and fresh legs when we needed them.”

“People who get to the top have a drive and a desire to want to be successful.” – Warren Gatland on skipper @AlunWynJones, who has just led his Wales side to victory against Australia on his 130th appearance for his country. #RWC2019 pic.twitter.com/R4YKUIXO6S

— Welsh Rugby Union (@WelshRugbyUnion) September 29, 2019

He added: “We’re really pleased to get that win – it takes a little of the pressure off us. Now we’re kind of in control of our own destiny in terms of what happens.”

Alun Wyn Jones, making a record 130th appearance, praised Wales’ character but was slightly concerned by another “tentative” second half.

Wales had similarly built a big lead against Georgia before slowing after the break, their 29-point half-time advantage failing to increase as they won 43-14.

“I’m pretty happy with the character we showed – particularly in the second half,” Jones said.

“At times, it did feel a bit like the Georgia game, where we had a great first half and were a bit tentative in the second half. We’ll have a look at that, but I’m pleased with the result.”

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