For the second game in a row Wales faced a huge mountain to climb at the break, having fallen behind 17-0 with Sharri Williams and Tricia Brown crossing the line for well worked tries. Both were converted by Ashleigh Hewson who also added a penalty to put Australia in the driving seat at halftime.
The Wallaroos burst out of the blocks in the second half with Brown bagging her second of the afternoon to finish off a slick backline move to knock the stuffing out of Wales.
Rachel Taylor’s side battled on bravely with the back three of Laurie Harris, Adi Taviner and Philippa Tuttiett combining cohesively as a unit but also shining individually both in attack and defence.
Wales eventually got on the score sheet through centre Robyn Wilkins who slotted a penalty but the impressive Hewson replied with a late reply to seal victory for Australia.
With temperatures reaching 30 degrees Celsius, both teams gave it everything but the Wallaroos were red hot when opportunities arose and took them with both hands.
Wales’ set-piece was superior but they were unable to capitalise on their dominance while the breakdown proved hotly contested with both sides having their openside flankers sent to the sin bin.
Wales head coach Rhys Edwards was left frustrated having seen his side make basic errors which gifted Australia the initiative.
“I’m hugely disappointed to be honest to have lost to Australia,” he said. “The things we talked about before the game and how they play went in our favour.
“It’s also difficult where the contact area is a real scrap. It was difficult to get a platform so we’re disappointed in the way it has ended.
“We made errors in defence and they were able to capitalise and it didn’t help we gave the ball away too cheaply. It’s important we now regroup and throw everything at South Africa on Saturday in our final pool match.”
Australia: Tries: Williams, Brown (2): Cons: Hewson (2): Pens: Hewson (2)
Wales: Pen: Wilkins
