Wales Player Ratings: Australia 2024 ANS (A Hypothetical Match)
Note: As this is a hypothetical match, the following player ratings and analysis are speculative and based on current form and potential. Actual performance in a real match would, of course, differ. Assume this refers to a hypothetical Autumn Nations Series (ANS) match in 2024.
This article provides a player-by-player assessment of Wales' performance in a hypothetical Autumn Nations Series match against Australia in 2024. The game, played in Cardiff, saw a hard-fought victory for the Welsh side, showcasing both individual brilliance and areas for improvement.
Starters:
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Liam Williams (Fullback): 8.5/10: A typically dynamic performance from Williams. His counter-attacking threat was a constant worry for the Wallabies, and he made several crucial tackles under pressure. A late try showed his class.
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Josh Adams (Wing): 7.5/10: Solid defensively, Adams provided his usual tireless work rate. While he didn't cross the try line, his ability to win turnovers and create space for others was invaluable.
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Owen Watkin (Centre): 7/10: A dependable performance from Watkin, showing his strong defensive capabilities. His attacking play was less impactful, but he laid a solid platform in midfield.
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Nick Tompkins (Centre): 7.5/10: Tompkins was a key playmaker, distributing the ball effectively and creating opportunities for his teammates. His passing game was sharp, and he showed good vision.
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Louis Rees-Zammit (Wing): 8/10: A dazzling performance from Rees-Zammit, his pace causing havoc for the Australian defence. He scored a spectacular try, showcasing his exceptional finishing ability.
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Taine Basham (Flanker): 8/10: Basham was a force at the breakdown, winning crucial turnovers and disrupting Australian ball. His powerful carries also added to Wales’ attacking momentum.
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Jac Morgan (Flanker): 7.5/10: Morgan was equally impressive at the breakdown, showcasing his tireless work rate and intelligent play reading. His breakdown work was instrumental in denying Australia possession.
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Tommy Reffell (No.8): 7/10: A solid performance from Reffell, who carried strongly and offered good defensive solidity. He could perhaps have been more impactful in the loose play.
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Tomos Williams (Scrum-half): 7.5/10: A quick and dynamic scrum-half, Williams' service was accurate and quick, setting the platform for the Welsh backline. His box-kicking was also effective.
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Rhys Webb (Fly-half): 8/10: Webb’s game management was excellent, dictating the tempo of the game effectively. His tactical kicking was astute, and he orchestrated the attack with precision. He kicked the crucial conversion.
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Will Rowlands (Lock): 7/10: Rowlands provided a strong presence in the lineout, winning crucial ball. His defensive contributions were also notable.
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Adam Beard (Lock): 6.5/10: A solid but unspectacular performance from Beard. His lineout work was reliable, but he had less impact in the open play.
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Dillon Lewis (Prop): 7/10: Lewis put in a solid shift in the scrum, providing a strong platform for the backs. His scrummaging was key in securing Welsh dominance.
Replacements: (Ratings not provided due to limited game time)
Overall:
Wales secured a hard-fought victory against Australia, showcasing their improved attacking game and resolute defence. The backs were particularly impressive, with Rees-Zammit and Williams shining. The forward pack also delivered a strong performance, particularly at the breakdown. However, there are areas to improve upon – consistency in attack and a more dominant scrum throughout the match would be beneficial. The win, however, is a significant boost for Welsh rugby.
This analysis is purely hypothetical; the actual performance of the Welsh team in a real match against Australia would depend on many factors, including injuries, team selection, and match conditions.