Wales vs. Australia: Winners and Losers from Cardiff

The 2014 Autumn Internationals got off to a thrilling start under the roof at the Millennium Stadium, Cardiff, with Australia edging Wales 33-28.

It was a familiar story for Wales, who were unable to break their Southern Hemisphere hoodoo that has seen them win just once against the big three in seven years.

With Wales playing Australia in Pool A of the 2015 Rugby World Cup, it was a deflating defeat for the home side and a positive competitive start for new Wallaby coach Michael Cheika.

Michael Cheika had a tough task to prepare his Australia squad for their tour having only been named Wallaby coach on 22 October. But his team have begun fairly well, defeating the Barbarians before victory in Cardiff.

Cheika, the former New South Wales Waratahs coach, made some big calls, putting faith in Nick Phipps and Bernard Foley ahead of star names Will Genia and Quade Cooper. Genia came on for just the last 10 minutes, and Cooper was left out of the 23, but the selections paid off for Cheika.

Bernard Foley was named Man of the Match following an excellent performance from the fly-half. Foley kicked 18 points, including the drop-goal and late penalty that ensured Australia won the game.

Foley was a controlling influence on his team in an often hectic match. While Quade Cooper’s cause is often championed, including by Cheika, Australia were grateful for Foley’s game management.

In BBC commentary, the former Wales stand-off Jonathan Davies noted: "Bernard Foley has orchestrated this Australia side. Tempo, passes, when to bring other players in—he has just been the general today."

The roof was shut in Cardiff, and it made for a fast-paced encounter between two teams who like to spread the ball wide. The first half in particular was easy on the eye, with over a point a minute at the interval: 21-21.

With only 55,004 spectators at a stadium with a capacity of 74,500, the closed roof ensured a good atmosphere and a great spectacle.

Wales just cannot get over the line against Southern Hemisphere opposition. Leading 28-17 after 72 minutes, Wales fell to two Bernard Foley kicks. That is now 10 defeats in a row against Australia.

With Wales against Australia a crucial match in the World Cup pool stage, it will be very hard for the Welsh players to truly believe they can defeat the Wallabies, especially when playing at a neutral venue.

Warren Gatland has been Wales head coach for seven years, but questions must be asked about whether he is still the right man to take Wales forward.

The Lions’ victorious coach has a fine track record, but he has now overseen 21 straight defeats against Australia, New Zealand and South Africa.  

With good players at his disposal, there is only so long a coach who has been unable to mastermind a major Southern Hemisphere scalp in so long can continue to inspire and give confidence to his players.