A loss, but in a contemporary style Another defeat to the Wallabies. Which for some will be all that matters. And they may be right when you consider that Wales haven’t beaten Australia since 2008 – a sleight on an otherwise impressive Northern Hemisphere CV for Warren Gatland. However, this was a genuinely different Wales, a modern Wales. A Wales that was able to move the ball through the centres with a fluidity unseen since Gatland and Rob Howley took charge. Gone were the muscular, short carries in midfield from the Welsh 12, instead replaced by passing, and slick passing at that. This new approach, whilst evident in the backs, was more impressive in the forwards with Jake Ball and Rob Evans in particular executing rapid handling more reminiscent of a Super Rugby hooker and lock. You just need to look at Tevita Kuridrani’s defensive stats to see why Wales need to persevere with a more unpredictable approach to midfield play. The Wallaby 13 missed five tackles from 12, which is almost unheard of from a centre in test rugby – particularly from a player of Kuridrani’s standing. It will require patience from Welsh supporters with regards to this new style in the build up to the 2019 Rugby World Cup. It takes an age to untangle headphones that have only been in your pocket for just three minutes, Wales’ headphones have been in their pocket for at least three years longer than they should have.  Rob Evans – a kiwi in disguise Welsh rugby may have selected the impressive Hadleigh Parkes in the current Welsh squad, but Rob Evans may be the most ‘Kiwi’ member of the squad. Evans executed 12 passes during his impressive stint – more than either Leigh Halfpenny, Liam Williams, Jon Davies, Steff Evans or Owen Williams. It was a remarkable exemplar of modern prop play. Whilst many were looking to the unusually below par Taulupe Faletau to link the forwards and backs, it was Evans who on numerous occasions flicked passes through the midfield and allowed Wales to move the ball beyond the defensive ‘hinge’ and into the space in the wide channels. But Evans isn’t a player who shines in the loose, whilst neglecting the tight. His scrummaging was solid and his tackle count was second only to Josh Navidi. Wales may have had issues with dodgy passports in the past, but Evans definitely requires a second look. He may profess to hail from Haverfordwest, but he plays like he was born in Wellington. Owen Williams slams the door shut Owen Williams not only shut down the 12 channel, but also slammed the door on the notion that Welsh inside centres need to be 12 feet tall and 120 stone to tackle effectively. At a few pounds under 15 stone and 6ft tall, Williams made 11 tackles and missed none. This against Samu Kerevi and Tevita Kuridrani who are not exactly known for their subtlety of play. Whilst many were looking for Owen … Continue reading Wales v Australia: Five things we learnt