Trailing 30-3 just three minutes after half-time at home to Ireland last February, Wales’ successful defence of their RBS 6 Nations crown seemed a world away.
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Staring down the barrel of an eighth consecutive defeat and a fifth in a row at the Millennium Stadium, Wales had already conceded 30 points at home to Ireland for the first time since 2001.
But while Wales did end up losing the match, a stirring comeback served as the catalyst for Warren Gatland’s side to go on and defend their title – and it was sparked by Alex Cuthbert’s 47th-minute try.
Back Wales came to 30-22 and subsequently the Red Dragons embarked a three-game road trip, stopping off in Paris, Rome and Edinburgh and sealing victories in all three.
Cuthbert helped himself to his second try of the tournament against Italy and with Wales returning the Millennium Stadium with three wins under their belt – and England failing to put Italy to the sword with conviction at Twickenham – the defence of their title was on.
Needing to win by a seven-point margin, Wales blew England out of the water with Cuthbert helping himself to two tries – firstly romping down the right wing then finishing off his second after good work from Justin Tipuric.
Cuthbert has been absent from Wales’ autumn clashes so far but may appear against the Wallabies and will be eager to add to his tally at the 2014 RBS 6 Nations, finishing this year’s tournament as the leading try-scorer.
