Wales 0-31 Australia

Welsh Rugby Union | Club & Community Published 4:58 pm 15th May 2002 post

Despite the final result, Wales dominated the first 30 minutes and were held up over the line twice as they asked questions of the Australian defence. With the first half in injury time and the Australians leading 3-0 from a Tui Ormsby penalty, the first try came from flanker Bronwyn Mackintosh with Ormsby converting to make the half-time score 10-0.

Wales brought on Lenaghan, Grainger, Jenkins and Thomas to add extra firepower but with the temperature in the 80s Australia went on to extend their lead through wingers Nyree Oslets and the fleet footed Charmiane Smith. Wales never gave up, particularly Kate Jones (Caernarfon) Pip Minto and Jamie Kift (Clifton) and were unlucky to not cross the Australian try line.

In the final ten minutes Australia’s superior fitness and power saw them home with Nicole Wickert and Genevive Deives adding the final tries.

Wales now face Germany on May 17th but with many of the players being exposed to this level of rugby for the first time, alot will have been learnt from this Australian defeat.