Wallabies player ratings: ‘Impressive’ Rob Valetini ‘takes no prisoners’ in victory over Wales

After their victory in the mid-year international against Wales at AAMI Park in Melbourne, here’s how the Wallabies players performed on Saturday.

Australia player ratings v Wales

15 Tom Wright: Although he was not as influential as in the first Test, the Brumbies full-back still had some good moments on attack. Eventually gained 28 metres but less visible in other facets of play. 6

14 Andrew Kellaway: The Waratahs-bound flyer showed his class as he laid the groundwork for Filipo Daugunu’s try in the first half and continued to test Wales’ defence during the rest of the match. 7

13 Josh Flook: The 22-year-old did not get many attacking opportunities but did what was expected of him in the execution of his defensive duties, finishing with nine tackles made. 6

12 Hunter Paisami: The Reds midfielder produced a solid all-round display as he put in a huge shift on attack and defence. Was a willing ball carrier as he gained 33 metres and also made 12 hits. 7

11 Filipo Daugunu: Scored two well-taken tries with his second one seeing him being rewarded after he chased down a penalty kick into touch which was knocked back into play by Liam Williams. He tested Wales’ defence throughout and finished with a match-high 110 metres gained. 8

10 Noah Lolesio: The Brumbies playmaker started well but there were some shaky moments which he will have to improve on if he wants to cement his place as Australia’s first choice number 10. Finished with a 13-point haul after slotting two conversions and three penalties but missed a crucial tackle which allowed Rio Dyer to score a try. 6

9 Jake Gordon: The Waratahs captain showed his predatory instincts when he crossed for a try in the first half and provided a slick service to his outside backs. Finished with 24 metres gained before being replaced by Nic White in the 62nd minute. 7

Filipo Daugunu double helps Wallabies claim first series whitewash of Joe Schmidt era

Solid display from the pack

8 Charlie Cale: The Brumbies back-row was making his first start for his country but did not seem fazed as he caught the eye with a fine attacking performance. He finished with 23 metres gained and also worked hard on defence. 7

7 Fraser McReight: Came to the fore with a huge all-round effort as he was prominent on both sides of the ball and his breakdown battle with Wales tearaway Tommy Reffell was one of the highlights of the match. McReight gained 42 attacking metres while making a joint team-high 14 tackles. 8

6 Rob Valetini: Does this guy ever play poorly? Despite being shifted to the side of the scrum to accommodate Cale’s inclusion at number eight, it was another impressive showing from Valetini. Took no prisoners on attack as he gained 49 metres and also put plenty of pressure on Wales in the breakdown battle. 9

5 Lukhan Salakaia-Loto: The Wallabies enforcer spent some time in the sin bin for an illegal hit on Archie Griffin but despite that he was solid in the execution of his core duties. Won valuable lineout possession and also made 14 hits on defence. 7

4 Jeremy Williams: The Western Force captain did what was expected of him in the lineouts but his biggest contribution came on defence where he made 10 tackles before being replaced by Angus Blyth on the hour-mark. 6

3 Taniela Tupou: The ‘Tongan Thor’ was a willing ball carrier and stood up well in the scrums but he was eventually replaced by Allan Alaalatoa at the start of the second half. 6

2 Matt Faessler: The Reds hooker was on the field for 61 minutes and did well in the execution of his core duties, with his throw-ins at the lineouts solid throughout, and he shone on defence where he made 10 hits. 7

1 James Slipper (c): The veteran front-row was the Wallabies‘ captain on the day and did well in the leadership role while also giving a good account of himself in the scrums during a 54-minute stint. 6

Replacements: The Wallabies replacements built on the platform laid by the starting XV with the likes of Alaalatoa, who scored a deserved try, and Langi Gleeson leading the charge up front. However, White had a clearance kick charged down which led to a try for Dyer. 6

READ MORE Wales player ratings: ‘Gritty’ back-row again impress as Wallabies claim series win