Rating every Wales player from Wallabies series as Dewi Lake leads from the front
Wales skipper Dewi Lake and back-row James Botham.
Following the completion of their mid-year international series with Australia, we take a look back at the performances of Wales’ players and rate those who were in action.
Although there were some encouraging signs for Wales as they were competitive for long periods, they ultimately came up short and suffered a 2-0 series defeat to the Wallabies.
That means there is plenty to work on for head coach Warren Gatland as his team are currently on a nine-match losing streak and are yet to be victorious in 2024.
Outside backs
Liam Williams: The veteran flyer showed that he still has plenty to offer on the international stage as he was at the forefront of their attacking efforts in both Tests. Gave impetus from the back at full-back in the first Test in Sydney and although he was quieter in the second Test in Melbourne, he managed to cross the whitewash. 7
Cameron Winnett: The Cardiff full-back only played in the second Test and tried to make up for lost time as he was in the thick of the action in Melbourne. Was at fault for one of Australia’s tries but looked lively on attack and was safe at the back. 7
Rio Dyer: Although the 24-year-old didn’t see much of the ball in the first Test, he was more involved in Melbourne where he was rewarded with a try for his efforts. The Dragons speedster was less visible on defence though. 6
Josh Hathaway: The 20-year-old is highly rated in Wales and made his Test debut in Sydney where he caught the eye with some impressive attacking runs but sustained an elbow injury which kept him one sidelines for the Melbourne clash. Despite that setback, he made a good impression and looks an exciting prospect. 6
Centres
Owen Watkin: Although he was a willing ball carrier in both Tests, the Ospreys star made little headway as he was kept in check by the Wallabies defence. Watkin was quiet in the execution of his defensive duties the first Test but improved in that department in Sydney. 5
Mason Grady: The behemoth midfielder had good attacking opportunities in Sydney but despite some good carries, he was neutralised by a solid defensive effort from his opponents. He was less prominent in Melbourne and made little impact defensively over the two Tests. 5
Nick Tompkins: The Saracens stalwart came off the bench during the latter stages of each Test but did not make much of an impact in either one. 4
Half-backs
Ben Thomas: The 25-year-old came to the fore with solid performances in both Tests as his playmaking skills, goal-kicking and game management was of a good standard throughout. The Cardiff fly-half kept the Wallabies’ defenders guessing throughout and did not shirk his defensive duties. 6
Sam Costelow: The Scarlets playmaker is another player who did not have much game-time as he made both his appearances off the replacements bench. Despite that, he delivered some good tactical kicks but it was too little, too late in both encounters. 5
Ellis Bevan: The 24-year-old scrum-half started both Tests and combined well with Cardiff team-mate Thomas in the half-backs. Bevan’s distribution was solid throughout and also varied his play with clever kicks out of hand although it did not always pay off. 7
Kieran Hardy: The Ospreys-bound number nine also made his two appearances as a replacement and brought plenty of energy to Wales’ cause as they were chasing the game on each occasion. Although he was in the thick of the action, his efforts could not help claim that elusive win. 5
Loose forwards
Aaron Wainwright: The Dragons star made his 50th Test appearance in the opening Test and although he finished on the losing side, he showed his class with a superb all-round display. Wainwright did his bit as a ball carrier and in the execution of his defensive duties but sustained a hamstring injury which kept him on the sidelines for the second Test. 7
Taine Plumtree: After delivering a fine effort in the first Test in Sydney, where he impressed on defence, the former New Zealand U20 representative had big boots to fill when he took the injured Wainwright’s spot in the second Test. He did not disappoint though as he put in a huge effort on defence and brought great physicality to that facet of play. 7
Tommy Reffell: As expected, the Leicester Tiger’s breakdown battle with Fraser McReight was one of the highlights of the series but, if truth be told, the Wallaby just got the better of him. Despite that, Reffell was solid throughout. 7
James Botham: The Cardiff tearaway can be happy with his contribution as he made his presence felt during a lively cameo off the bench in the opening Test before being elevated to the run-on side on the blindside flank for the Melbourne encounter after Wainwright’s injury. Botham made full use of that opportunity as he was brilliant on attack and defence. 8
Locks
Dafydd Jenkins: Despite being just 21 years old, the young second-row took the fight to his opponents with excellent play in the tight exchanges. Jenkins was a valuable source of lineout possession while also putting his body on the line when defending as he made a combined total of 36 hits over the two matches. 6
Chris Tshiunza: Worked well in tandem with his Exeter Chiefs club-mate Jenkins as he too did well on defence, finishing with 34 tackles made in the two Tests. Apart from that, the 22-year-old did what was expected of him in the lineouts and also made his presence felt at the breakdowns. 7
Cory Hill: Made a shock return to the international arena as the likes of Adam Beard, Rhys Davies and Teddy Williams were all injured but he saw little game-time as he came off the bench late on in both Tests. 4
Props
Gareth Thomas: Not a tour the experienced loosehead prop will remember fondly as he struggled to gain the ascendancy in the scrums and battled in other areas although he shone in defence in Melbourne where he made a match-high 18 tackles. 5
Archie Griffin: The young Bath front-row was one of the finds of the tour as he impressed with solid all-round performances in both Tests. Had some shaky moments in the scrums on debut in Sydney but improved in that department as the series progressed while also doing his bit as a ball carrier and especially on defence. 6
Kemsley Mathias: Made some impactful contributions off the bench as he stood up well in the scrums and was a willing defender, especially in Sydney where he made eight hits during a 38-minute stint. 6
Harri O’Connor: The young Scarlets prop made replacement appearances in both Tests and was solid in the scrums but did not make an impact in other areas. 5
Hookers
Dewi Lake: Wales’ captain came to the fore with impressive attacking performances in both Tests and was rewarded with a brace of tries in Melbourne. Apart from that, he did not neglect his core duties as he also caught the eye on defence and with accurate throw-ins at lineouts while his leadership was of a high standard throughout. 8
Evan Lloyd: Not much to report here as the young hooker had very little game-time with him coming on during the dying moments of both internationals. 5
