Priestland keeps his cool to be a late hero

Wales 29

Australia

WALES recorded a third successive victory over Australia as they ended their Autumn Nations Series campaign by beating the 14-man Wallabies in dramatic fashion.

Substitute Rhys Priestland’s penalty with the final kick of a frantic game thwarted Australia and sent a 68,000 Principality Stadium crowd wild.

Australia No.8 Rob Valetini was sent off after just 15 minutes for a dangerous tackle on Wales lock Adam Beard, who played no further part in the game.

But Wales were pushed to the wire and outscored three to two on tries by the resilient Wallabies.

Dragons coach Wayne Pivac

(left) said: “Mistakes crept in and we let them back into the game.

“We found ourselves then chasing it at the end but we found a way to get it done.

“Unfortunately there are a lot of cards these days, they are turning points. The result is really important for this group who have worked really really hard. They will be satisfied with the result.

“There was a lot of experience unavailable. Those young guys will have got a lot out of this series and it’s about building depth going into the World Cup in 2023.”

Hooker Ryan Elias and centre

Nick Tompkins scored tries for Wales, yet it was fly-half Dan Biggar’s goalkicking that proved the difference, as he amassed 16 points through four penalties and two conversions, until Priestland struck.

Australia made Wales fight every inch of the way despite the numerical disadvantage, as wings Andrew Kellaway and Filipo Daugunu touched down, with scrum-half Nic White also scoring.

But Wales could breathe a huge sigh of relief, despite Kurtley Beale’s 78th-minute penalty, with Priestland keeping his cool.