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

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

Wales vs Australia LIVE: Rugby World Cup updates

• REPORT: Brilliant Wales thrash abject Australia to bring Eddie Jones’s world crashing down

• Wales cruise into World Cup quarter-finals with record win over Australia

• Australia on the brink of first group-stage exit after nightmare performance

• 78’ TRY! Morgan adds late score as Wales secure record win (WAL 40-6 AUS)

• 48' TRY! Tompkins collects Anscombe chip to give Wales breathing space (WAL 26-6 AUS)

• 12’ INJURY - Wales lose Biggar to shoulder injury (WAL 7-3 AUS)

• 3’ TRY - Gareth Davies breaks through as Wales make dream start (WAL 7-0 AUS)

Brilliant Wales thrash abject Australia to bring Eddie Jones’s world crashing down

Sunday 24 September 2023 22:12 , Ben Fleming

As Eddie Jones’s house of cards finally came crumbling down, it fittingly felt like death by a thousand paper cuts in Lyon rather than one swift blow that finished Australia off. It arguably made the pain even worse.

Jones and the Wallabies looked like helpless bystanders as Gareth Anscombe slotted penalty after penalty (and even a drop goal for good measure) and Wales calmly, methodically rode off into the distance. The final score was 40-6, a record Welsh winning margin of 34 points in this fixture, yet the victors didn’t even record a four-try bonus point as instead they broke Australian hearts piece by piece.

For the first time in Rugby World Cup history, the Wallabies have exited at the group stage and Jones looks destined to leave by that same door.

Read Luke Baker’s full match report from Lyon below:

Brilliant Wales thrash abject Australia to bring Eddie Jones’s world crashing down

Eddie Jones lashes out in spiky press conference after Australia humiliated by Wales

07:06 , Luke Baker

Australia coach Eddie Jones lashed out at journalists in a spiky post-match press conference following the Wallabies’ record defeat to Wales that saw them crash out of the Rugby World Cup.

Australia were thumped 40-6 in Lyon by a rampant Wales side to all but confirm their exit at the group stage of the World Cup for the first time in their history.

Jones apologised for the record defeat but was unhappy with questions surrounding a report in the Sydney Morning Herald earlier in the day, which claimed Jones was secretly interviewed by Japanese rugby officials just days before the World Cup about taking over as the country’s head coach.

Eddie Jones lashes out in spiky press conference after Australia humiliated by Wales

Wales issue Dan Biggar update after concerning injury against Australia

09:53 , Jamie Braidwood

Wales fly-half Dan Biggar is set to be fit for the World Cup quarter-finals after Warren Gatland confirmed that the 33-year-old did not suffer a significant injury against Australia.

Biggar, who is retiring from international rugby after the World Cup, was forced off just eight minutes into the Pool C clash in Lyon and had to be removed despite efforts to play on through the pain.

The influential No 10 was seen clutching his upper chest area as he was replaced, after receiving treatment on the field. Biggar had converted Gareth Davies’ early try against the Wallabies before he was replaced by Gareth Anscombe.

But after the record 40-6 win over Australia, which confirmed Wales’ progress to the quarter-finals, Gatland confirmed that Biggar had stretched his pec and was therefore only a doubt for their final Pool C match against Georgia in two weeks’ time.

Wales issue Dan Biggar update after concerning injury against Australia

‘Rock bottom’: Australian media react to ‘embarrassing’ World Cup defeat to Wales

07:39 , Jamie Braidwood

Australia is at “rock bottom” after a record defeat to Wales left Eddie Jones and the Wallabies on the brink of an “embarrassing” group-stage World Cup exit, as the media turned on the team following a humiliating night in Lyon.

Wales recorded their biggest-ever win against Australia with a stunning 40-6 scoreline, with the two-time World Cup champions the Wallabies suffering their heaviest World Cup defeat. The result also left Australia all-but eliminated from the World Cup with a game to spare, which is set to be the first time the country has failed to reach the quarter-finals.

Much of the anger was directed towards former England head coach Jones, who apologised for the record defeat but then lashed out at journalists during a tense press conference after the match. Jones was unhappy with questions surrounding a report in the Sydney Morning Herald earlier in the day, which claimed Jones was secretly interviewed by Japanese rugby officials just days before the World Cup about taking over as the country’s head coach.

The Herald called Australia’s defeat “embarrassing”, with rugby reporter Tom Decent writing that the “Eddie Jones experiment can officially be declared a disaster”.

‘Rock bottom’: Australian media react to ‘embarrassing’ World Cup defeat to Wales

Next up for both sides

Sunday 24 September 2023 22:31 , Ben Fleming

Wales have the luxury of a bye week and plenty of time to savour this historic performance, one would imagine. They bring their group-stage campaign to a conclusion on Saturday 7 October against Georgia.

Barring a miracle, Australia have just one game left in their 2023 World Cup journey. That is next weekend on Sunday 1 October when they take on Portugal. Could that be the final game for Eddie Jones in charge as well?

Only time will tell...

FULL-TIME: Wales 40-6 Australia

Sunday 24 September 2023 22:24 , Ben Fleming

All smiles from the boys in red:

Welsh centre George North speaking to ITV after the game

Sunday 24 September 2023 22:21 , Ben Fleming

“It’s right up there [as one of Wales’ best World Cup performances]. As a performance, we are getting towards that full 80-minute performance that we know we can do.

“Still a bit to tidy up but three wins from three in the group stages - the boys are ecstatic. I’m just shattered at the minute to really comprehend it but a huge effort from the 23 and 33-man squad all week.

“After the Portugal game we kicked on again and the result today showed - it was a very dominant performance and the boys are just thrilled.”

Australian head coach Eddie Jones speaking to ITV after the game

Sunday 24 September 2023 22:16 , Ben Fleming

“Apart from the first try, we played the first 20, 30 minutes really well. We just had a series of errors; either a set-piece error or a ball-carry error and we just couldn’t sustain any pressure on Wales.

“To get momentum you need to put together two or three really good sets of play and that’s what we were unable to do.

“Congratulations to Wales - they played a really strong game of Rugby. Good at their set piece, their kicking game was exceptional and they defended well.

“We’re going to get ready for Portugal. There’s one game to go and we’ve got to pick up the pieces and put on a good performance. I apologise to all the supporters out there for our performance tonight.”

On his future with Australia: “I remain committed to the Australia project. I still believe I am the person to turn things around. I was put in this job to turn Australia around and I don’t think I could have done it with the players we had.

“This is the most painful time but also the best time to learn for young players.”

Wales head coach Warren Gatland speaking to ITV after the game

Sunday 24 September 2023 22:04 , Ben Fleming

“It was a pretty good performance. This group of players have experience and if you get a bit of momentum and confidence and you can build on that. The amount of hard work we put in these last few months, I said in life you get what you deserve and we deserved to win today. The guys went out and gave a great performance and I’m really pleased with that.

“We know how much defences dominate and for us not conceding a try today was fantastic. We ended up scoring three tries - the message at the end was go for the bonus point but you can’t be too greedy.”

On Gareth Davies’s performance: “He’s a fantastic individual and person. He was disappointed a few years but he’s come back and shown today how he can defend and what he can do in the game.”

On preparations for Georgia: “We’ve got a little bit of a break so guys can spend two or three days with their families next week before we think about that.”

FULL-TIME: Wales 40-6 Australia

Sunday 24 September 2023 21:57 , Ben Fleming

Just one win in eight since Eddie Jones’s return to the Wallabies...

What does his future hold and where do Australia go from here?

FULL-TIME: Wales 40-6 Australia

Sunday 24 September 2023 21:53 , Ben Fleming

Here’s a look at the two second-half tries. The first, a product of a lovely kick from the superb Anscombe:

And the second, a driving maul in the dying moments to add insult to injury:

FULL-TIME: Wales 40-6 Australia

Sunday 24 September 2023 21:48 , Ben Fleming

A record win for Wales who are into the World Cup quarter-finals! Australia have a late dash at the line but Wales keep the ball up and that is that. The men in red punch the air in delight - a performance for the ages to become the first team into the last eight.

But, Australia. Well, what can you say? A nightmare from minute one to minute 80 and Eddie Jones’s side must now almost certainly resign themselves to an early World Cup exit. Fiji now need just one win from their games against Georgia and Portugal and the Wallabies will be packing their bags for an early flight back home.

TRY! Wales 40-6 Australia (Morgan, 78 mins)

Sunday 24 September 2023 21:46 , Ben Fleming

78 mins: The icing on the cake for Wales! They show Australia how to kick for the corner and it’s a huge drive from the resulting maul. The Wallabies are powerless to prevent captain Morgan from carrying the ball over the line and Wales now have FORTY points against Australia.

Anscombe misses the chance to make it 42 but, still, this is a thrashing.

Wales 35-6 Australia

Sunday 24 September 2023 21:43 , Ben Fleming

75 mins: Oh my. The faces on the Australian fans in the crowd say it all. Their side has a penalty after a high tackle from Wales but Gordon’s kick for the corner goes awry and flies straight out over the ‘22 and goes dead.

A scrum for Wales from where the kick was taken.

Wales 35-6 Australia

Sunday 24 September 2023 21:40 , Ben Fleming

74 mins: That’s 23 points now for the Welsh fly-half - a stellar contribution having been thrown on after just 12 minutes following that Biggar injury.

Another penalty for Wales as Kerevi knocks it on deliberately. They are disappearing without a trace.

DROP GOAL! Wales 35-6 Australia (Anscombe, 70 mins)

Sunday 24 September 2023 21:36 , Ben Fleming

70 mins: Rees-Zammit is the target from the scrum but he loses his feet as he looks to dart over on the right side. Play recycled and through the phases they go, Wales happy to run down the clock if nothing else.

Or not! Anscombe fancies some more points and fires a drop goal over the posts for another three points. Wales now on for their record win against the Wallabies as things stand!

Wales 32-6 Australia

Sunday 24 September 2023 21:33 , Ben Fleming

68 mins: Wales smell blood as they hunt more points in the dying stages. Their attack is initially repelled and the ball turned over, but Kerevi’s knock on gifts it straight back to the men in red.

A scrum in a great position now.

Wales 32-6 Australia

Sunday 24 September 2023 21:30 , Ben Fleming

66 mins: Still nothing forthcoming from the Wallabies in attack. A surge up the right wing ends as the offload drifts into touch. Wales are bossing this game in every facet.

PENALTY! Wales 32-6 Australia (Anscombe, 60 mins)

Sunday 24 September 2023 21:24 , Ben Fleming

60 mins: Absolutely nothing is working for Australia in attack right now as Gordon miscues his box kick straight up into the Lyon night sky. He knocks it on as he tries to retrieve his own kick but it gets worse as the Wallabies then concede yet another penalty.

Right in front of the posts and Anscombe makes no mistake. Is there a way back now for Australia? It certainly doesn’t look like it.

Wales 29-6 Australia

Sunday 24 September 2023 21:21 , Ben Fleming

57 mins: Australia need a comeback and fast but nothing appears to be coming off. McDermott kicks for touch and North almost makes a break through the line.

Adams, then, thinks he’s made a break down the right but Wayne Barnes brings it back for a forward pass.

PENALTY! Wales 29-6 Australia (Anscombe, 52 mins)

Sunday 24 September 2023 21:15 , Ben Fleming

52 mins: From bad to worse for the Wallabies as Kerevi is high into the tackle on Tompkins and gives away a penalty just moments after the try.

It’s perfectly placed for another penalty...and Anscombe makes no mistake! Australia are now more than three converted tries behind with under 30 minutes remaining. Not good.

TRY! Wales 26-6 Australia (Tompkins, 48 mins)

Sunday 24 September 2023 21:12 , Ben Fleming

48 mins: A huge score for Wales and that could be fatal for the Wallabies!

Out of the scrum, it’s a lovely grubber kick from Davies. Adams can’t quite keep it in but it’s a 50-22 which gives Wales the throw from the lineout.

Through the phases they go before a delightful kick from Anscombe over the top catches the Australian defence flat-footed, with Tompkins the man to take advantage, racing through and touching it down right under the posts.

Anscombe adds the extra two and Wales lead by 20 now. Half an hour for Australia to turn this around.

Wales 19-6 Australia

Sunday 24 September 2023 21:08 , Ben Fleming

45 mins: Adams mistimes his tackle as he competes for the high ball, taking out Nawaqanitawase and giving away the penalty.

But another mistake from Australia as the lineout isn’t straight. A free-kick and the Wallabies give the ball right back to Wales.

PENALTY! Wales 19-6 Australia (Anscombe, 43 mins)

Sunday 24 September 2023 21:05 , Ben Fleming

43 mins: And now a penalty! It’s a great push at the scrum from the Welsh and they get their reward and the chance to add another three from the tee.

Anscombe steps up...and converts. 13 ahead now and the perfect start to the second half for Gatland’s side.

KICK-OFF! Wales 16-6 Australia

Sunday 24 September 2023 21:03 , Ben Fleming

41 mins: Wales get us under way in this massive second 40 minutes. Australia need a comeback or face the embarrassment of a group-stage exit.

And it’s not started well as the Wallabies concede a scrum straight from the kick off.

HALF-TIME: Wales 16-6 Australia

Sunday 24 September 2023 20:55 , Ben Fleming

A productive first half for Warren Gatland’s side:

HALF-TIME: Wales 16-6 Australia

Sunday 24 September 2023 20:52 , Ben Fleming

Here’s a look at the game’s only try, scored by Gareth Davies after just three minutes:

HALF-TIME: Wales 16-6 Australia

Sunday 24 September 2023 20:48 , Ben Fleming

And it almost gets even better before the break. A sweeping move from the Welsh almost sees Rees-Zammit squeeze over in the right corner. The effort is held up in the end by the scrambling Australian defence and that is the half.

A great foundation for Wales who have a ten-point lead and are halfway towards securing their berth in the quarter-finals. Australia may be ruing that decision to not take the penalty in the 29th minute and must now produce a second-half comeback to keep their World Cup hopes alive.

PENALTY! Wales 16-6 Australia (Anscombe, 39 mins)

Sunday 24 September 2023 20:46 , Ben Fleming

39 mins: The perfect way to end this half from a Welsh perspective as Anscombe adds another three points from the tee. It’s rather harsh on Valetini, who thought he could dive onto the loose ball, but a ten-point lead heading into the break looks rather nice if Gatland’s side can hold on for the final minute.

Wales 13-6 Australia

Sunday 24 September 2023 20:43 , Ben Fleming

36 mins: A lovely cross-field kick from Anscombe almost sets Adams clear down the left but for a superb recovery tackle from Nawaqanitawase, which sees the Welsh player just fall into touch.

Wales 13-6 Australia

Sunday 24 September 2023 20:40 , Ben Fleming

34 mins: A nice period of possession for Australia who, unlike many teams this tournament, seem happy to play multi-phase rugby and keep the ball in the hands. Up to ten phases...but that’s all they get as Koroibete throws the ball out of play looking for Kellaway out on the left.

PENALTY! Wales 13-6 Australia (Anscombe, 29 mins)

Sunday 24 September 2023 20:34 , Ben Fleming

29 mins: What a terrible passage of play for Australia. They had a chance for an easy three points and now find themselves seven points behind.

From the Wallabies lineout, Wales win back the ball and a penalty in the process. The move breaks down but they come back for the penalty and Gatland’s side aren’t going to pass up on the three points.

Australia should be just one point behind but a few moments of bad decision-making has cost them dearly.

Wales 10-6 Australia

Sunday 24 September 2023 20:32 , Ben Fleming

26 mins: Leota makes a huge surge down the left side as Australian surge into the Wales 22. They come infield and Rowlands does superbly - at first - to secure the turnover.

But as they look to clear, Wales give away a penalty at the same breakdown.

Australia, interestingly, opt for the corner...and make a right mess of it. Wales pouch the ball and a thunderous kick up the pitch now has the Wallabies under heaps of pressure in just a matter of moments.

PENALTY! Wales 10-6 Australia (Anscombe, 21 mins)

Sunday 24 September 2023 20:25 , Ben Fleming

21 mins: The best way to get over a missed kick? Another opportunity two minutes later. Australia must be conceding too many penalties for their liking in these early stages and Anscombe makes no mistake this time, slotting over to extend Wales’ small lead.

PENALTY MISSED! Wales 7-6 Australia

Sunday 24 September 2023 20:23 , Ben Fleming

19 mins: An Australian infringement at the breakdown gives Anscombe the chance to settle some nerves with an early penalty...of the post! A long-range effort but he’ll be disappointed to pass up on that opportunity from a central position

Wales 7-6 Australia

Sunday 24 September 2023 20:21 , Ben Fleming

17 mins: Donaldson makes a big break through the Welsh line but can’t find a man in a gold shirt with his offload.

Wales break up the pitch after a thumping kick from Josh Adams as Kellaway just gets back in time to touch the ball down inside his own 22.

Some concern now for Anscombe - Biggar’s fly-half replacement - after a big challenge but he looks okay for now. Wales can’t afford to see him leaving the pitch too.

PENALTY! Wales 7-6 Australia (Donaldson, 14 mins)

Sunday 24 September 2023 20:17 , Ben Fleming

14 mins: Australia win the first battle at the scrum and with the forthcoming penalty a chance to get back within one.

Donaldson makes no mistake and the Wallabies are back within a point.

Wales 7-3 Australia

Sunday 24 September 2023 20:15 , Ben Fleming

12 mins: Some early signs of McDermott’s talents from the scrum-half position as he nearly retrieves his own cute kick.

But a massive blow for Wales follows. Biggar can’t continue after that early knock to his shoulder and he’s forced to make way. Anscombe replaces him.

PENALTY! Wales 7-3 Australia (Donaldson, 9 mins)

Sunday 24 September 2023 20:12 , Ben Fleming

9 mins: Donaldson, who has moved to fly-half from full-back for this game, kicks the points and Australia are on the board.

Just before that, there was concern for Dan Biggar who went down with a shoulder injury. The Welsh fly-half is back on his feet, though, and will soldier on.

Wales 7-0 Australia

Sunday 24 September 2023 20:10 , Ben Fleming

8 mins: Wave after wave of Australian pressure from the lineout as Wales do a great job of repelling the initial Wallabies surge.

A penalty is coming for Australia but Jones’s side finally make inroads as Koroibete surges through the line. He finds Arnold who, in turn, gives it to Bell but the prop spills the ball with the line just inches away.

Back for the penalty and this time they will kick.

Wales 7-0 Australia

Sunday 24 September 2023 20:07 , Ben Fleming

6 mins: A great opportunity for Australia to bounce back immediately as they win a penalty on the edge of the 22. They opt against the points and kick for the corner...

TRY! Wales 7-0 Australia (Davies, 3 mins)

Sunday 24 September 2023 20:04 , Ben Fleming

3 mins: What a start from Wales as Gareth Davies goes over inside the first three minutes. From the line-out, it’s captain Jac Morgan who makes the surge through the midfield.

The flanker draws in the tackle before offloading to the scrum-half who surges under the post to give his side the perfect start.

Biggar adds the extras.

Wales 0-0 Australia

Sunday 24 September 2023 20:02 , Ben Fleming

1 mins: The earliest of penalties - just 15 seconds in - for Wales and a chance for some early territory for Gatland’s side.

KICK-OFF! Wales 0-0 Australia

Sunday 24 September 2023 20:01 , Ben Fleming

1 min: Anthems sung, pleasantries exchanged, it’s time. It’s Australia to kick off... and we are under way in Lyon!

Wales vs Australia: kick-off moments away

Sunday 24 September 2023 19:56 , Ben Fleming

Here come both sides out onto the pitch in Lyon. Difficult to overstate how important this fixture is for both sides.

But first, the anthems.

Wales vs Australia: hear from the coaches

Sunday 24 September 2023 19:50 , Ben Fleming

The thoughts of the two head coaches as we close in on kick-off:

Eddie Jones faces ultimate test of his rugby philosophy as Wales await

Sunday 24 September 2023 19:47 , Ben Fleming

Has Eddie Jones’s day of reckoning finally arrived? During this entire Rugby World Cup cycle, both when he was head coach of England and now Australia, Jones’s mantra has essentially been ‘trust me mate, there’s a process’ with the implicit promise that there will be jam tomorrow.

Bad results were brushed off as a necessary evil in building towards the World Cup – you wouldn’t want to win matches by revealing innovative tactics and structures that might surprise the opposition if they were unleashed in the tournament itself, seemed to be Jones’s thinking.

Consecutive sub-par Six Nations and autumn international defeats for England could be swept away in service of the greater goal of lifting the Webb Ellis Trophy in Paris next month, until the RFU belatedly ran out of patience with the losing and fired him nine months out from the World Cup.

Parachuted in to salvage the Wallabies’ cycle, five consecutive losses, including a last-placed finish in the Rugby Championship, to begin his tenure was similarly waved away by Jones alongside the promise that things would get better tomorrow. Well, tomorrow has now arrived.

One final chance to read Luke Baker’s full preview of this evening’s game:

Eddie Jones faces ultimate test of his rugby philosophy as Wales await

Old foes face off in World Cup for the first time

Sunday 24 September 2023 19:42 , Ben Fleming

Despite their long and winding careers at the top of international rugby, tonight will be the first time that Eddie Jones and Warren Gatland face each other in the World Cup.

In their previous six clashes - when Jones was in charge of England - the Australian won four, with Gatland taking two.

Who will prevail on this occasion?

Wales vs Australia: team news

Sunday 24 September 2023 19:36 , Ben Fleming

We’ve got around 25 minutes until kick-off, so here’s a reminder of how both sides will line up:

Wales XV: Gareth Thomas, Ryan Elias, Tomas Francis; Will Rowlands, Adam Beard; Aaron Wainwright, Jac Morgan; Taulupe Faletau; Gareth Davies, Dan Biggar; Josh Adams, Nick Tompkins, George North, Louis Rees Zammit; Liam Williams.

Replacements: Elliot Dee, Corey Domachowski, Henry Thomas, Dafydd Jenkins, Taine Basham, Tomos Williams, Gareth Anscombe, Rio Dyer.

Australia XV: Angus Bell, David Porecki, James Slipper; Nick Frost, Richie Arnold; Rob Leota, Tom Hooper; Rob Valetini; Tate McDermott, Ben Donaldson; Marika Koroibete, Samu Kerevi, Jordan Petaia, Mark Nawaqanitawase; Andrew Kellaway.

Replacements: Matt Faessler, Blake Schoupp, Pone Fa’amausili, Matt Philip, Fraser McReight, Nic White, Carter Gordon, Suliasi Vunivalu.

Pool C: How it stands

Sunday 24 September 2023 19:30 , Ben Fleming

It’s a must-win game for Australia. Simple as.

Following their defeat to Fiji, Eddie Jones’s side could be on the brink of elimination should they fail to win tonight. Wales, meanwhile, would guarantee their spot in the Rugby World Cup quarter-finals with a win.

Here is how things stand in Pool C ahead of kick-off:

1. Wales - 10 points

2. Fiji - 6 points

3. Australia - 6 points

4. Georgia - 2 points

5. Portugal - 2 points

Wales vs Australia

Sunday 24 September 2023 19:22 , Ben Fleming

The fans make their way in:

Scotland romp to vital bonus-point victory over Tonga

Sunday 24 September 2023 19:18 , Ben Fleming

Earlier today, Scotland romped to the bonus-point victory they required over Tonga at Stade de Nice to kick-start their World Cup campaign and keep alive their hopes of qualification for the knockout phase.

The pressure was on Gregor Townsend’s side after losing their first game to South Africa and then seeing Ireland defeat the Boks on Saturday, a scenario that left them with no margin for error and in need of big victories from their remaining fixtures.

The Scots kept their composure, however, and showed their attacking quality to get themselves a foothold in the top-heavy pool B by recording a 45-17 win over Tonga, with their seven tries all scored by different players.

Read the full match report below:

Scotland romp to vital bonus-point victory over Tonga

Ireland prove they can win Rugby World Cup after beating up Springboks

Sunday 24 September 2023 19:14 , Ben Fleming

Yesterday evening then saw the tournament’s biggest fixture so far as defending champions South Africa too on Ireland in a mouthwatering pool-stage encounter.

France vs New Zealand got this Rugby World Cup off to a compelling start amid a febrile atmosphere, Wales vs Fiji provided the controversy and last-gasp drama before the Fijians then delivered the well-deserved upset against Australia.

But it’s Ireland’s narrow, 13-8 win over South Africa that will go down as this tournament’s first true example of vintage, pure Test match rugby. And it was spell-binding.

Read Luke Baker’s full report from the Stade de France below:

Ireland prove they can win Rugby World Cup after beating up Springboks

Five-try Henry Arundell provides X-factor as England put Chile to the sword

Sunday 24 September 2023 19:06 , Ben Fleming

We have just under an hour to go until Wales and Australia take to the field, so let’s take a look back at some of the other action over the week. First, to the Stade Pierre Mauroy where England put on a dominant display to thrash Chile 71-0 with 20-year-old Henry Arundell the star of the show.

For Henry Arundell, nothing could break a sense of reverie. There are dream World Cup debuts and then there was this, Arundell becoming only the fourth Englishman to score five tries in a single match as Chile were put to the sword. Who knows what the future holds for a player still with years, but aside from a sip from the Webb Ellis Cup, this first experience of tournament rugby will surely not be topped.

Read more of Harry Latham-Coyle’s report from yesterday’s thumping win below:

Five-try Henry Arundell provides X-factor as England put Chile to the sword

Liam Williams hails Wales’ transformation from Six Nations despair to brink of World Cup quarter finals

Sunday 24 September 2023 18:58 , Ben Fleming

Liam Williams has hailed the work ethic behind Wales’ transformation from Six Nations also-rans to potential Rugby World Cup quarter-finalists.

It is barely six months since Wales floundered on northern hemisphere rugby’s biggest stage. Their solitary win – a 29-17 victory over Italy in Rome – spared them the indignity of propping up the table.

The Six Nations campaign also unfolded against a backdrop of major financial and contractual uncertainty in Welsh professional rugby, factors which almost led to a player strike as Wales prepared for a Six Nations appointment with England.

“We’ve worked hard as a group, everyone,” said Wales full-back Williams, who wins his 87th cap this weekend. The pre-World Cup camps were hell, to be honest, but the boys have just been digging in. We are all on the right page.

“If you had said six months ago that we would have played two pool matches and been at the top of the group with 10 points we would have bitten your hand off. We have just got to go and back that up on the weekend.”

Read more of his thoughts ahead of today’s clash below:

Liam Williams hails Wales’ transformation in last six months for World Cup

Wales’ Josh Adams eyes Australia contest after ‘best week’ before clash to secure quarter-final spot

Sunday 24 September 2023 18:50 , Ben Fleming

Josh Adams says the chance to clinch a Rugby World Cup quarter-final place on Sunday has been a motivational force behind Wales’ preparations to face Australia.

Wales will guarantee a last-eight place if they topple the Wallabies in Lyon.

And they would do it with a game to spare, with their final Pool C fixture against Georgia a fortnight away.

“It is in our hands now, which is a nice feeling,” Wales wing Adams said. “It is all depending on us and how we perform.

“We are quite aware of the carrot at the end, if you like, and it has motivated us a lot this week, if I am honest.”

Read more of the winger’s thoughts ahead of the clash with Australia below:

Adams eyes Australia contest after ‘best week’ in Wales camp

Scotland up and running against Tonga

Sunday 24 September 2023 18:48 , Ben Fleming

It’s all over in Nice and Scotland have a much-needed bonus-point win against Tonga to kickstart their World Cup campaign.

Tries from Turner, Van der Merwe, Steyn, Darge, Horne, Kinghorn and Graham see Gregor Townsend’s men romp to a convincing 45-17 victory.

Wales v Australia referee: Who is Wayne Barnes?

Sunday 24 September 2023 18:42 , Ben Fleming

England’s Wayne Barnes is one of the officials at the 2023 Rugby World Cup.

The vastly-experienced referee has taken charge of more than 100 international games, a record tally.

Having made his tournament debut in France in 2007, Barnes is back for a fifth edition of the men’s World Cup.

Find out more about today’s ref below:

Wales v Australia referee: Who is Rugby World Cup official Wayne Barnes?

Australia team news

Sunday 24 September 2023 18:34 , Luke Baker

Australia, meanwhile, make three changes to the side that lost to Fiji. Fraser McReight makes way for Rob Leota in the back row as Tom Hooper shifts to open-side flanker. Tate McDermott has recovered from a head injury and returns at scrum-half in place of Nic White while Ben Donaldson moves from full-back to fly-half with Andrew Kellaway filling in at 15.

Australia XV: Angus Bell, David Porecki, James Slipper; Nick Frost, Richie Arnold; Rob Leota, Tom Hooper; Rob Valetini; Tate McDermott, Ben Donaldson; Marika Koroibete, Samu Kerevi, Jordan Petaia, Mark Nawaqanitawase; Andrew Kellaway.

Replacements: Matt Faessler, Blake Schoupp, Pone Fa’amausili, Matt Philip, Fraser McReight, Nic White, Carter Gordon, Suliasi Vunivalu.

Wales team news

Sunday 24 September 2023 18:26 , Luke Baker

After a heavily-rotated side faced Portugal, Gatland has reverted to the same starting XV that narrowly beat Fiji on the opening weekend. Dewi Lake - Wales’ co-captain - is the only surprise absentee with the hooker missing out on a place in the matchday 23.

Wales XV: Gareth Thomas, Ryan Elias, Tomas Francis; Will Rowlands, Adam Beard; Aaron Wainwright, Jac Morgan; Taulupe Faletau; Gareth Davies, Dan Biggar; Josh Adams, Nick Tompkins, George North, Louis Rees Zammit; Liam Williams.

Replacements: Elliot Dee, Corey Domachowski, Henry Thomas, Dafydd Jenkins, Taine Basham, Tomos Williams, Gareth Anscombe, Rio Dyer.

When is Wales vs Australia and how can I watch it?

Sunday 24 September 2023 18:20 , Luke Baker

When is Wales vs Australia?

Wales vs Australia is due to kick off at 8pm BST on Sunday 24 September at the Parc Olympique Lyonnais in Lyon.

How can I watch it?

Viewers in the United Kingdom can watch the match live on ITV1, with coverage on the channel from 7:15pm BST. Registered users can also stream the action via ITVX.

If you’re travelling abroad and want to watch the event, you might need a VPN to unblock your streaming app. Our VPN round-up is here to help and includes deals on VPNs in the market. Viewers using a VPN need to make sure that they comply with any local regulations where they are and also with the terms of their service provider.

Eddie Jones faces ultimate test of his rugby philosophy as Wales await

Sunday 24 September 2023 18:10 , Luke Baker

Has Eddie Jones’s day of reckoning finally arrived? During this entire Rugby World Cup cycle, both when he was head coach of England and now Australia, Jones’s mantra has essentially been ‘trust me mate, there’s a process’ with the implicit promise that there will be jam tomorrow.

Bad results were brushed off as a necessary evil in building towards the World Cup – you wouldn’t want to win matches by revealing innovative tactics and structures that might surprise the opposition if they were unleashed in the tournament itself, seemed to be Jones’s thinking.

Consecutive sub-par Six Nations and autumn international defeats for England could be swept away in service of the greater goal of lifting the Webb Ellis Trophy in Paris next month, until the RFU belatedly ran out of patience with the losing and fired him nine months out from the World Cup.

Parachuted in to salvage the Wallabies’ cycle, five consecutive losses, including a last-placed finish in the Rugby Championship, to begin his tenure was similarly waved away by Jones alongside the promise that things would get better tomorrow. Well, tomorrow has now arrived.

Read Luke Baker’s full preview of this evening’s game

Eddie Jones faces ultimate test of his rugby philosophy as Wales await

Is Wales vs Australia on TV? Channel, start time and how to watch Rugby World Cup fixture online

Sunday 24 September 2023 18:07 , Luke Baker

Wales could guarantee their spot in the Rugby World Cup quarter-finals should they beat Australia in a crunch match today.

Warren Gatland’s side have eked out two hard-fought wins over Fiji and Portugal in the first two weeks to leave themselves on the brink of the knockout stages. A win in Lyon would guarantee their progression and likely see them top the pool.

Australia, meanwhile, could be on the brink of elimination should they fail to beat Wales. Eddie Jones’s side beat Georgia in their opening game but fell to a shock defeat against Fiji to leave their quarter-final hopes hanging in the balance.

Here’s everything you need to know.

Is Wales vs Australia on TV? Channel, start time and how to watch online

Wales vs Australia

Sunday 24 September 2023 18:05 , Luke Baker

Welcome to The Independent’s live coverage of Wales vs Australia. It’s a crunch match at the Rugby World Cup with defeat all-but confirming Australia’s exit during the pool stage for the first time in their history.

If the Wallabies win however, it will be calculators out over the final few games to see which two of them, Wales and Fiji qualify for the last eight. It will be a huge evening in Lyon