Rugby World Cup 2019: A five-step plan for Wales to beat Australia in Pool D showdown

The two heavyweights go head to head this weekend in a clash that will likely decide the winner of their group

In the second heavyweight collision of the Rugby World Cup group stages, Australia and Wales go head to head in a showdown that promises high-octane drama, world-class rugby and the likely guarantee of a first-place finish in Pool D.

In their last encounter, it was the Welsh who emerged victorious, winning 9-6 in Cardiff last November to end a 13-Test losing streak against the Wallabies.

Fans and neutrals alike will be hoping to avoid a repeat of such a slugfest, but when push comes to shove victory is all that matters. With that in mind, here we outline our own five-step for beating Australia and taking a second step forward to a place in the knockout stages.

Blitz Australia from the off

The opening 20 minutes of this match could be crucial. Wales showcased their ability to hit the ground running against Georgia, scoring after just two minutes, while Australia went the other way against Fiji. Heading into half-time, Michael Cheika’s men found themselves 14-12 down after a slow and loose start.

The Wallabies clawed their way back into that match but against a side like Wales, such a fightback might not be an option. An early Welsh blitz can therefore provide Warren Gatland’s side with the foundations they need to control the flow of the rest of the game. Of course, Australia pose a very different challenge to Georgia. So how do Wales get under their opponents’ skin early on?

Target the Wallabies’ backline

Wales tested the full range of their aerial-based assaults against Georgia, reaping rich rewards. Against Australia, a similar approach must be deployed.

With Israel Folau absent, Australia’s backline will find itself susceptible to the box kicks of Gareth Davies and high balls of Dan Bigger. With Dane Haylett-Petty stepping in to replace Kurtley Beale at full-back, see how he fares under aerial bombardment while George North’s 14cm height advantage over winger Marika Koroibete must be utilised.

It’s always a gamble handing possession back to opposing teams, especially one of Australia’s calibre, but Wales cannot afford to be conservative when the stakes are this high.

Test the waters with a rush defence

Wales know that their opponents are prone to careless errors – that as much was clear against Fiji, with the Wallabies repeatedly dropping play in the first half due to poor handling. While the aerial ball is one avenue to explore in forcing mistakes, Gatland’s men shouldn’t be afraid to test the water with a rush defence.

Such an approach can leave teams vulnerable in behind, as South Africa found out against New Zealand once they had adjusted to their rivals’ high line, but in Liam Williams they have a full-back capable of reading the finest details of a game. A rush defence will not only unsettle the Aussies but equally allow Wales the chance to nullify the threat posed by battering ram Samu Kerevi, a player whose explosive power and hard running will be of concern.

Wales will need to keep an eye on Samu Kerevi (AFP/Getty Images)

More of the same from Gareth Davies

The scrum-half was outstanding on Monday night. His speed, quick service and ability to drift along the line was crucial to unpicking the Georgians. More than just a bridge between the forwards and backs, he was seen making wrap-arounds and arching darts off the rucks and mauls to provide Wales with an additional running threat.

Australia will be aware of this and will be looking to shutdown those extra dimensions to Davies’ game, but this is where his forward protectors enter into the equation. Keep the ball moving up front, suck in the Australian pack and create those opportunities for Davies to work his magic when he sees fit.

Wales will be hoping for more of the same from Gareth Davies (Getty)

Keep it safe in the scrum

Finally the scrum, arguably Wales’ most vulnerable point in their defensive armour. During Monday’s clash in Toyota, Georgia won four scrum penalties to two against the Welsh – one of which culminated in a try for the eastern Europeans. Throughout the summer, too, the Six Nations champions struggled to assert themselves in this area.

The Wallabies would typically avoid engaging in an arm wrestle at the scrum, such are their own shortcomings here, but they may be willing to make an exception on this occasion. Wales must therefore be prepared for a fierce fight up front, one that is kept clean and free of sloppy mistakes. For the sake of giving his forwards the best chance of holding their own, Gatland should consider keeping Wyn Jones, Ken Owens and Tomas Francis on for as long as possible in Tokyo. Once the reserve front-rows enter the fray, the risk of ill discipline and game-changing penalties increases – as was the case against Georgia. Wales cannot afford to let this happen in the closing stages of Sunday’s match.