Wallabies take series opener against Wales

The Wallabies bounced back from their shock defeat to Scotland to down Six Nations champions Wales 27-19 in the first of three Tests in Brisbane yesterday. Australia outscored the Welsh three tries to one and take a series lead into next week’s second Test in Melbourne and keep Wales chasing their first win in Australia in 43 years. Inspired by halves Will Genia and Berrick Barnes, the Wallabies were a far different proposition than their inept 9-6 loss to Six Nations wooden-spooners Scotland in stormy Newcastle last Tuesday. Australia dominated the first half and led 10-3 at halftime, stretched their lead to 20-6 early in the second term before Wales fought back to trail 20-19 with 17 minutes left. But the home side, who have now beaten Wales in their last five encounters, had more left in the tank and finished off with a converted try by centre Pat McCabe in the 67th minute to see off the Welsh threat. The defeat meant Wales have yet to win in nine Tests in Australia since their only win in Sydney in 1969. “It’s great to get the first win, we’re aware it’s a classy Welsh side we’re up against and they’ll bounce back in the second game for sure,” Wallabies’ skipper David Pocock said. “We had a bit more time together this week at training and I thought our combinations worked well.” The Welsh struggled to match Australia’s first half intensity and got more into the match as both teams brought on fresh replacements in the second half. “I thought we showed great character and spirit in the second half, at 20-19, it’s about being clinical and the number of chances we created and we just didn’t take those opportunities,” Wales caretaker coach Rob Howley said. “Some of our guys haven’t played for a while and we struggled with the pace of the game in the first half and for the next six or seven days in terms of backing up we’ll be much better for that hit-out.” Wales will have a match against Super 15 side ACT Brumbies in Canberra on Tuesday as a prelude to the second Melbourne Test. Barnes kicked Australia in front with a ninth-minute penalty before Welsh winger Alex Cuthbert saved a certain try. Cuthbert cut down centre Rob Horne with winger Digby Ioane unmarked outside him before the home side increased their lead. Blindside flanker Scott Higginbotham powered over in the 16th minute for his first Test try after Ioane jolted the ball clear from Rhys Priestland off a high kick.from gulf times.