As much as it will hurt Welsh rugby union fans to hear this, the inescapable truth is that Australia have been the dominant side since the two nations first started competing against each other in 1908. Over this time, Wales and Australia have locked horns on 44 different occasions with the Wallabies boasting 30 wins whilst the Dragons have notched up just 13 victories, the only draw between the two occurred in Cardiff in 2006 when the score ended 29-29. Indeed, it has been relative one-way traffic over the last 113 years but that hasn’t stopped this fixture from being one of the most eagerly awaited on the rugby calendar. Perhaps it is the fact that both nations have incredibly stirrings anthems that set the stage for a titanic showdown or maybe it is the sight of red on yellow that makes for a pulsating affair, but when these two play, the world of rugby comes to a complete standstill.
In many ways, you could say that despite this being somewhat of a one-sided rivalry during large parts of the last 113 years, you’re still never quite sure who is going to win given how fiercely fought these battles are. Additionally, Wales’ recent resurgence since 2018 has breathed even more life into the contest with the Dragons managing to win the last three fixtures and in doing so, put an end to Australia’s unprecedented winning streak that stretched back to 2005.
It does seem like Welsh rugby is on the up whilst the current goings-on Down Under illustrate that the Wallabies are in a state of transition. Interestingly, Australia are predicted to turn this run of form around or at least, fare better than the Welsh in the 2023 World Cup based on the major bookmakers in the online betting in Australia as they are priced at 10/1 to win the competition by Bet365, while the Welsh are at much longer odds of 18/1. Time will naturally tell if the Australians have managed to get their house in order by then as they face off against Wales in a Pool C encounter in Lyon on the 24th of September 2023.
It will undoubtedly be yet another humdinger and it should be said that the Welsh will fancy their chances. Indeed, another chapter is about to be written in this spine-tingling rivalry, but how did it get to the point where the two nations have developed such a colorful history? Here are three of the greatest matches to occur between the two that go some way in explaining the sentiment around this fixture today.
Australia 19 Wales 17, Sydney 1978
It’s important to keep in mind that there was no television match official or VAR in the late 1970s and the game didn’t benefit from having hundreds of cameras positioned around various parts of the ground like we have today.
Had there been, then referee Dick Byers wouldn’t have awarded a drop goal to Australia’s Paul McLean in the dying minutes that went between the posts. It was the highest travesty of sporting justice and helped Australia win by an agonizing two points.
Wales 29 Australia 29, Cardiff 2006
Travel anywhere in Wales today and locals will tell you about the famous 29-29 draw that took place in the capital 16 years ago. Wales looked to be heading for a famous win as they led the Aussies 26-24 with ten minutes to go but a Chris Latham try saw the Wallabies edge ahead.
The sports pages had seemingly been written and would describe Welsh heartbreak only for James Hook to slot home a late penalty to ensure a thrilling tie.
Wales 29 Australia 28, Cardiff 2021
Rhys Priestland gave Wales a famous win with the last kick of the game in the 2021 autumn internationals as the Dragons beat 14-man Australia by a single point to maintain their recent advantage over the Wallabies.
Yes, it was a jaw-dropping climax that sent the Principality Stadium into utter euphoria, but the long-term effects could be felt for years to come after the Welsh were able to hang on to the initiative and, crucially, continued to establish their superiority over a foe has relentlessly bullied them over the last century.
