Warren Gatland admits he feared it was going to be a case of déjà vu after Wales held their nerve to edge out Australia in a low-scoring battle at the Principality Stadium.
A late penalty from replacement Dan Biggar proved the difference in Cardiff as the hosts triumphed 9-6 to end a run of 13 consecutive defeats to the Wallabies – stretching back to 2008.
Leigh Halfpenny had earlier sent over two penalties, only for the tourists to respond with efforts from Bernard Foley and Matt Toomua, before Biggar landed the decisive blow.
Only two of Wales’ 13 defeats to Australia were by ten points or more and Gatland believes that experience – along with the win against Scotland last week – was vital in the end.
“We’ve learnt from those experiences,” he said. “We had composure just like last week. There was no composure from me. I was having déjà vu.
“The boys dug deep. From a defensive point of view, that was probably the most comfortable we’ve been against Australia.
“We’ve done everything right in how we’re building the squad and we feel like we’re in a good place.
“It’s always nice to get that win against a Southern Hemisphere team and it puts a bit of pressure on the guys who play against Tonga next week.”
ADAMS RISES TO CHALLENGE
Wales had heroes all over the pitch in a game that was dominated by the defences, with Justin Tipuric, Alun Wyn Jones and Cory Hill all having outstanding games for the hosts.
Gatland also singled out Josh Adams for praise, suggesting he was unlucky not to get man of the match, while he hailed the impact of his bench in the second half.
“I thought the bench was outstanding,” he said. “Ellis Jenkins was outstanding. Cory Hill and the two front rowers came on and did well. Dan [Biggar] had to come out and kick a pressure kick.
“I never thought I’d see the day Leigh missed two easy kicks. The pleasing aspect was that it didn’t affect his game and he came out in the second-half and performed really well.
“I thought Josh Adams was man of the match. He made lots of good decisions. Chased well, defended and ran strongly. That’s why he was top scorer in the Premiership last season.”
BREAKDOWN BATTLE
With David Pocock and Michael Hooper providing breakdown expertise for the Wallabies, Wales were always going to need to be at their best – and Gatland said they rose to the challenge.
“The breakdown was tough for both teams,” he said. “We knew we had to be good. In the first half, we weren’t dominant enough in the collisions. The bench gave us impetus as well.
“I said that was the strongest bench we’ve put out in my time in Wales. The game last week was important for us. We probably wouldn’t have won [against Australia] had it been first up.
“We’ve got good momentum at the moment with seven wins in a row and it puts pressure on those taking the field. We’re in a really good place.”
