Australia shut out Wales

Australia’s new-look back three provided the spark as the Wallabies shook off their early-season rust to defeat Wales 31-0 and secure a 2-0 series victory in the second test in Brisbane on Saturday.

Wales had signalled their intentions to challenge Australia’s inexperienced wings and fullback before the second test, but they were unable to contain the trio and Digby Ioane, Drew Mitchell and Julian Huxley crossed for sparkling tries to lift a match that was drifting until George Gregan came on.

Australia were unconvincing when they sealed the first test 29-23 after the final siren and they performed in a similar manner during the opening 40 minutes.

However, the Wallabies were recharged at the break by the introduction of Gregan at scrumhalf, pushing Matt Giteau to inside centre, and the extra stability and experience led to three tries.

“George made a significant difference and the players looked a lot more comfortable,” Australia coach John Connolly said. “I thought we needed George urgently.”

Debutant Ioane raced over in the right corner in the 44th minute when he finished a move begun by number eight Wycliff Palu. Man of the match Palu, who made several strong runs, offloaded under pressure from two defenders and the ball was fed across the backline to Ioane, giving Australia a 14-0 advantage.

The home side again looked to their speed on the wings against an under-manned Wales squad and Mitchell was untouched as he scored five minutes before Huxley chipped and re-gathered to seal an excellent first test try.

“As captain I was very happy with the way the guys applied themselves in the second half,” captain Stirling Mortlock said. “Our defence was strong, especially in the last ten minutes.”

Wales were held scoreless for the first time against Australia and the backline was disrupted by injuries to Chris Czekaj, who was sent to hospital with a suspected broken right femur, and Jamie Robinson.

“Those do impact you,” Wales coach Gareth Jenkins said. “But it was a case of never getting into the game. There were 17 free kicks and penalties against us and we never got a chance to get our hands on the ball.”

Light rain fell shortly before the kick-off and Australia led 6-0 after two Mortlock penalties in a stop-start first half littered by poor handling and lineout throwing. However, the home team found their fluency as the game wore on and Mortlock collected 16 points, while James Hook missed Wales’ only penalty attempt.

“I’m down and the players are down,” captain Gareth Thomas said. “We didn’t give the best account of ourselves. We are better than that.”

The win was a boost for Australia and the teams’ next encounter will be in the World Cup group B match in Cardiff on September 15.