By Leah Bower
WALES captain Justin Tipuric insisted his team were “outstanding” for the majority of their dramatic loss to Australia.
The home side led 34-13 after 52 minutes but two yellow cards – one for Tipuric himself and another for replacement hooker Ryan Elias, in the 67th and 74th minutes respectively – allowed the Wallabies to pinch a dramatic 39-34 win.
“We had a chat in the changing room [after the match], [it was] probably the most enjoyable rugby we’ve played for a while in that first half,” said Tipuric, who was sin-binned for a cynical trip on Aussie Pete Samu..
“Rugby’s an 80 minute game and for 60 minutes we looked outstanding.
“Any time you play an Australia team they are physical and try to bully you.”
Tipuric acknowledged his and Elias’ yellow cards were pivotal in Wales’ loss.
But he also claimed it was more bad luck than a cynical challenge that earned him time in the sin bin.
“Sometimes you do it on purpose, but that was literally… I was turning and he kicked my foot,” he said.
FULL TIME 🏴34-39🇦🇺
Wales fail to build on the advantage and Australia regain possession to kick it into the stands.
Pure heartbreak within the stadium as Wales throw away a lead they should be able to maintain.#WALAUS #AutumnNationsSeries
— Leah Bower (@leahbower_1) November 26, 2022
“Normally in the past being a back-rower you do a few bits of dirty work and you deserve yellow cards.
“It just feels like when things aren’t going your way…”
When asked about future competitions, the skipper backed his team’s chances to be ‘underdogs’ in light of poor performances.
He said: “As players you always back yourself and the Six Nations is a weird tournament as well.
“In the past you go in as underdogs and you come out as champions, or you go in as favourites and you end up with a wooden spoon.
“It’s so exciting and when we get written off from the start, we normally play our best rugby, so we’ll have to wait and see”