Wales v Australia LIVE: Rugby World Cup 2023 result and reaction from record win as Wallabies face shock exit

25 Sep 2023 • 4:54 PM MYT
The Independent
The Independent

The world’s most free-thinking newspaper

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Wales thumped Australia to cruise into the quarter-finals of the Rugby World Cup with a game to spare, leaving the Wallabies and head coach Eddie Jones staring at the humiliation of a first-ever group-stage exit.

An early break from Gareth Davies set Wales on their way to a comprehensive victory and although Warren Gatland lost fly-half Dan Bigger to a concerning shoulder injury, replacement Gareth Anscombe came off the bench to contribute 23 points.

Anscombe also set up Wales’ second try with a clever chip to Nick Tompkins, as Gatland’s side continued to choose their moments in what was a clinical victory, before Jac Morgan crashed over to seal a record 40-6 scoreline for Wales in this fixture.

The result was a disaster for Australia and Jones, who desperately needed a win after their earlier defeat to Fiji in Pool C. The two-time champions are now set to record their worst-ever performance in World Cup history.

Follow all the reaction after Wales recorded their biggest-ever win against Australia to reach the quarter-finals