Historic Last-Minute Try Secures Wales' First Win Over Australia in Thrilling Encounter

Wales celebrated a momentous victory over Australia, scoring in the dying moments of the match to clinch a 29-24 win at Rodney Parade—their first triumph against the Wallaroos in seven attempts.

With the game tied at 24-24, Kate Williams charged over from close range to seal the win, much to the delight of the 1,800 strong Welsh crowd. The match was a rollercoaster of emotions, with both teams exchanging leads and showcasing their skills throughout.

The first half saw Maya Stewart and Keira Bevan each score a try, with Bevan’s determined effort coming after a well-executed rolling maul. Molly Reardon added two tries for Wales, while Caitlyn Halse responded for Australia, keeping the contest tight.

As the match approached its climax, Tabua Tuinakauvadra seemed to have salvaged a draw for Australia with a late try. However, Wales, undeterred, launched a final offensive that culminated in Williams’ decisive score.

Wales’ head coach Ioan Cunningham praised his team’s resilience, stating, “I was really proud of the way we stayed in the fight… we never lost faith.” The victory comes on the heels of a disappointing defeat to Scotland, giving the team a much-needed confidence boost ahead of their rematch with Australia in the WXV2 opener in Cape Town next week.

On the other side, Australia’s head coach Jo Yapp acknowledged the team’s work rate but emphasized the need for improved tactical execution. “We need to be a bit more rugby smart in certain areas of the game,” she remarked.

With this victory, Wales has not only claimed a historic win but has also set the stage for what promises to be an exciting follow-up encounter against a formidable Australian side.