Gatland praises bench impact

RUGBY

CARDIFF: Wales coach Warren Gatland says the strength of its bench played a major role in the narrow 96 victory over Australia at the Millennium Stadium yesterday that provided a significant boost to his side ahead of next year’s World Cup.

Wales, which will meet Australia in its pool in Japan, ended a 13game losing streak against the southern hemisphere team in an errorstrewn armwrestle.

The ability to bring in experi ence off the bench, like first fiveeighth Dan Biggar and wing Liam Williams, gave Wales the impetus it needed in the closing stages, according to Gatland.

‘‘I said that was the strongest bench we’ve put out in my time in Wales,’’ Gatland said.

‘‘I thought the bench was outstanding. [Flanker] Ellis Jenkins was outstanding. [Lock] Cory Hill and the two frontrowers came on and did well. Dan had to come out and kick a pressure kick.’’

Neither side created anything in the way of tryscoring opportunities as both defences stood firm. Unforced errors played a role too, as did the slow ball at the breakdown.

‘‘The breakdown was tough for both teams. In the first half, we weren’t dominant enough in the collisions,’’ Gatland said.

‘‘The boys dug deep. From a defensive point of view, that was probably the most comfortable we’ve been against Australia.’’

Wales’ victory might have been more comfortable had fullback Leigh Halfpenny, usually so dependable, not missed two simple penalty opportunities, one from directly in front of the posts.

‘‘I never thought I’d see the day Leigh missed two easy kicks,’’ Gatland said.

‘‘The pleasing aspect was that it didn’t affect his game and he came out in the second half and performed really well.’’

South Africa scored a try in stoppage time to edge to a dramatic 2926 win over France at the Stade de France yesterday, with hooker Bongi Mbonambi surging over to secure an unlikely victory.

The Springboks stole possession with less a minute left and went almost the entire length of the pitch, with the help of four penalties they kicked into touch to gain ground, before driving over for a smashandgrab success. — Reuters

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