Australia vs. Wales: Live Score, Highlights from Rugby World Cup 2015 Game

Wales took only three points from a dominant opening 20 minutes and when up two men in the second half seemed unsure how to take advantage.

It was not quite the hostile or critical inquisition that greeted England captain Chris Robshaw when the hosts could have sealed a draw against Wales two weeks previously and Warburton was unequivocal.

Meanwhile, Argentina warmed up for the quarter-finals with a nine-try romp as they beat minnows Namibia 64-19 in their final Pool C match in Leicester.

Wales have suffered another Rugby World Cup injury blow with wing Liam Williams being ruled out of the tournament remainder with a foot injury. “We tried everything but you have to give credit to Australia’s defence”.

“We’ve done incredibly well to get out of the group with everything surrounding us and we’re excited about a quarter-final”.

“But I’ve got no doubt if guys come in they will do the job when they’re called on”. “I could not ask any more of our players”.

Australia spent the best part of ten minutes down to 13 men and despite Wales spending the entirety of that time inside their 22 metre line, nothing would give.

However, he believes Wales can beat the Springboks in Saturday’s quarter-final at Twickenham if they display patience in attack.

Campese said coach Michael Cheika had “brought Australia together” since succeeding Ewen McKenzie by ensuring they enjoy “a bit of fun” away from the field of play.

Rushing up on Wales No. 10 Dan Biggar, the Aussie winger shut down the attack and allowed supporting backs Matt Toomua and Kurtley Beale to secure the penalty at the breakdown.

Meanwhile Hooper’s replacement Sean McMahon proved his worth with a thumping tackle on the Wales No 10.

Gatland was surprised to see Australian captain Stephen Moore doing a lot of talking to the referee when the Wallabies were down to 13 men. England may be out but their World Cup is still very much alive.

A frantic spell midway through the second-half provided the pivotal moments. Foley duly made it 12-6 in the 50th minute.

Wales dominated much of the early stages of the match, turning early pressure into a 3-0 lead, after quickly recycling the ball from the ruck and gaining parity in the scrums.

Wales came again and it needed a fine tackle by Foley on North to snuff out a try.

The momentum appeared to swing back as Australia scrumhalf Will Genia and lock Dean Mumm were sin-binned within four minutes and key flanker David Pocock was forced off with an injury around the hour mark.

The powerful centre was held up by McCalman over the line in a show of strength that kept Australia on top.

“The opportunities were there… it’s about putting the ball into space and running”.

Australia’s rock-solid defence has garnered the headlines but in an error-strewn match, a major factor for their victory is that they managed to keep their discipline in relative check.

Daniel Biggar missed his first kick in this year’s World Cup in the 40th minute, sliding it across the face of the posts in what would be considered a pretty easy kick.

“It is tougher”, he said. I won’t lie, but that is the World Cup, isn’t it?