Warren Gatland takes a pop at Ireland’s playing style in post-match interview
“Ireland went back to what they’re really good at…”
Wales ead coach Warren Gatland reflects on defeat in his side’s final match before heading to the Rugby World Cup.
CREDIT: Channel 4
"Ireland went back to what they're really good at…"@WelshRugbyUnion head coach Warren Gatland reflects on defeat in his side's final match before heading to the Rugby World Cup#C4rugby #IREvWAL pic.twitter.com/jWxlWX31W3
— Channel 4 Sport (@C4Sport) September 7, 2019
The Qantas Wallabies have emerged 34-15 victors over Manu Samoa in a bruising encounter at Bankwest Stadium in Sydney’s west tonight.
The Wallabies scored six tries to Samoa’s two in blustery conditions in the final match for both nations ahead of the game’s showpiece event in Japan later this month.
The home side raced to a 22-3 half time lead, but conceded the first two tries of the second stanza to hold a slender 7-point lead as the game clock ticked down inside the final 10 minutes.
A Dane Haylett-Petty try in the 71st minute provided some breathing space for the Wallabies, before replacement scrumhalf Nick Phipps laid on the final try which was finished by Matt To’omua right on the final whistle to make it a 19-point winning margin.
Towering lock Adam Coleman crossed in the opening exchanges of the match giving the Wallabies an early lead. Eventual man of the match, Marika Koroibete then swiftly followed, turning defenders inside out on the way to the tryline at the 15-minute mark.
The Samoans looked to have answered when prop Michael Alaalatoa barged over under the posts minutes later, however the TMO denied the visitors on replay and they settled for 3 points from the boot of Tusi Pisi.
Veteran centre Adam Ashley-Cooper, and then flanker Lukhan Salakaia-Loto added tries for the men in gold to set up a commanding lead at the half.
It was then a more composed Samoan side that emerged from the break as they took the challenge up to the Wallabies physically and pressured the Australian ball, until eventually breaking through when shifty replacement half Dwayne Polataivao dotted down after darting down the short side in support from a Samoan scrum win.
When Polataivao crossed again from a brilliant exchange of passing through the middle of the ground, the contest came alive.
Cool heads prevailed for the Wallabies, who took command of the arm wrestle inside the final 10 minutes to run away with the win.
SCORERS
Qantas Wallabies 34 (Adam Coleman, Marika Koroibete, Adam Ashley-Cooper, Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, Dane Haylett-Petty, Matt To’omua tries; Bernard Foley 2 cons) Manu Samoa 15 (Dwayne Polataivao 2 tries; Tusi Pisi con; Tusi Pisi pen)
TEAMS
Qantas Wallabies
1. James Slipper, 2. Jordan Uelese, 3. Sekope Kepu, 4. Rob Simmons, 5. Adam Coleman, 6. Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, 7. David Pocock (c), 8. Jack Dempsey, 9. Will Genia (vc), 10. Bernard Foley, 11. Marika Koroibete, 12. Matt To’omua, 13. Adam Ashley-Cooper, 14. Dane Haylett-Petty, 15. Tom Banks
Reserves: 16. Tatafu Polota-Nau, 17. Scott Sio, 18. Taniela Tupou, 19. Luke Jones, 20. Liam Wright, 21. Rob Valetini, 22. Nick Phipps, 23. James O’Connor
Manu Samoa
1. Jordan Lay, 2. Ray Niuia, 3. Michael Alaalatoa, 4. Teofilo Paulo, 5. Kane Leaupepe, 6. TJ Ioane, 7. Jack Lam, 8. Afaesetiti Amosa, 9. Scott Malolua, 10. Tusi Pisi, 11. Ed Fidow, 12. Reynold Lee-Lo, 13. Alapati Leiua, 14. Belgium Tuatagaloa, 15. Tim Nanai-Williams.
Reserves: 16. Motu Matuu, 17. Paul Alo-Emile, 18. Logovii Mulipola, 19. Josh Tyrell, 20. Seilala Lam, 21. Dwayne Polataivao, 22. AJ Alatimu, 23. Ah See Tuala
WALLABIES SUBSTITUTIONS
49mins – Tupou for Kepu, 53mins – Sio for Slipper, 55mins – Jones for Coleman, 59mins – Wright for Pocock, 64mins – Polota-Nau for Uelese, 68mins – Phipps for Genia, 71mins – O’Connor for Koroibete, 71mins – Valetini for Dempsey
WALLABIES MATCH NOTES
Rob Valetini Test debut – Wallaby #929
First Australia v Manu Samoa Test match since 2011
Warren Gatland
Warren Gatland
Warren Gatland
