Wales: Everything you need to know about the Wallabies' next Grand Slam tour opposition

Wed, Nov 13, 2024, 4:50 AM
Nathan Williamson
by Nathan Williamson
Wallabies v Wales Highlights | Second Test | 2024

The Wallabies are looking to continue their quest for a Grand Slam as they face Wales in Cardiff.

Joe Schmidt's side are familiar with their Welsh opposition following their two victories in July.

Watch every game of the Wallabies Spring Tour live and exclusive on Stan Sport.

They return to Wales for the first time since 2022 looking to retain the James Bevan trophy.

Here's everything you need to know about the Wallabies' opponent on Monday (AEDT).

Recent form

Wales are currently going through an all-time form slump in 2024.

After being just minutes away from the Rugby World Cup semi-finals, the Welsh are winless this year in their nine games, including two defeats to the Australians in July.

However, Wales aren't a side to take easy, with four of those defeats within a converted try to quality sides such as England and Scotland.

Squad

Wales have named a bolstered squad from the side that travelled to Australia in July.

Adam Beard, Ryan Elias, Jac Morgan and  Gareth Anscombe are among the returning stars for the Welsh for the Autumn Nations series.

Winger Mason Grady was initially named in the squad, but has been ruled out for the rest of the year after requiring ankle surgery..

Forwards

Keiron Assiratti, Adam Beard, James Botham, Ryan Elias, Archie Griffin, Dewi Lake (c), Evan Lloyd, Kemsley Mathias, Jac Morgan, Taine Plumtree, Tommy Reffell, Will Rowlands, Nicky Smith, Gareth Thomas, Freddie Thomas, Henry Thomas, Christ Tshiunza, Aaron Wainwright, Teddy Williams

Backs

Gareth Anscombe, Ellis Bevan, Sam Costelow, Rio Dyer, Josh Hathaway, Eddie James, Max Llewellyn, Blair Murray, Tom Rogers, Ben Thomas, Nick Tompkins, Owen Watkin, Rhodri Williams, Tomos Williams, Cameron Winnett

The X-Factor

Jac Morgan is a weapon at the breakdown for Wales.

At 24, the flanker is already captaining his club side Ospreys and is capable of slotting in across the backrow.

Morgan's absence was felt in July after causing the Wallabies havoc at the 2023 Rugby World Cup.

He returned to international action via the bench against Fiji, although would be expected to start in a must-win game.

The Rising Star

Blair Murray is in fine try-scoring form as his meteoric rise continues.

The Kiwi-born Murray linked up with Scarlets after impressing in the NPC for Canterbury, scoring seven tries in seven games in 2023.

This form continued in the URC as the winger has scored in three straight games, including his Test debut against Wales.

The coach

Warren Gatland is a man whose record speaks for itself as a coach.

He's won four Six Nations titles and made the World Cup semi-finals twice on top of three stints as British and Irish Lions coach.

Gatland returned to Wales in 2022 after a brief stint with the Chiefs and is desperate for victory to silence the critics and doubters.

Wales' record against Australia

The Wallabies hold one of the better records over the Welsh in World Rugby.

In total, the teams have played 48 times, with the Wallabies taking out 33 of these.

The record is slightly more even when the games are played in Wales, with the Aussies holding an 18-10-1 advantage over their Welsh counterparts.

Where the game will be running

The Welsh rolling maul holds the key to this contest.

It's an area where they found considerable success during the July series, scoring a penalty try in the first game and two in the second through Dewi Lake.

The Wallabies maul defence has improved since, not letting up a try against England in that area.

But Wales will know if they can put pressure on the Wallabies early, they can push for a result.

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