WALLABIES COMPLETE NORTHERN TOUR

November 26, 2018

Australia have completed their Northern Tour with one win from three test matches.  Their poor form continues a streak which sees them finish the year with the worst record for a Wallabies team since 1958.  Coach Michael Cheika remains under pressure just months away from the World Cup.

The Wallabies began their tour with their first loss to Wales in ten years.  In a dour game, Wales won by 9-6, with neither team able to score a try.  With the scores locked at 3-3 in the second half, Australia twice elected to go for five pointers rather than kick penalty goals.  In the end, the Welsh defence proved too solid.

Australia finally found themselves on the winners’ lost with a 26-7 victory over Italy.  Rugby league convert Marike Koroibete scored two tries, one either side of halftime, to help set up a four tries to one win.  The victory gave the Wallabies a much needed boost, but they have still won just four of their last twelve test matches.

The Wallabies ended their tour with a 37-18 loss to England, leaving many question marks over the make-up of the squad for the 2019 World Cup.  Australia had three tries disallowed, but still fell well short of England after capitulating in the second half.  Israel Folau scored two tries for the Wallabies, including one in injury time when the contest was well and truly over.