The autumn campaign reached its conclusion as Wales fell to another demoralising defeat against a severely weakened Australia.
But who can we class as winners and losers in the aftermath? Here’s our verdict…
WINNERS
Mark Nawaqanitawase
This rookie Waratahs wing epitomised the never-say-die approach of the Wallabies – and his two tries were just reward for his industry and persistence.
There are faster, more explosive wings in the world game, but Nawaqanitawase did what all great exponents of the role do – he looked for work constantly. Subsequently, he was a menace, and his finishing ability was there for all to see as Australia chipped away at the Wales lead in the second half.
His enthusiasm was a catalyst for the Wallabies in their final Test of a difficult year results-wise.
Australia have so many players to come back into the selection frame. But coach Dave Rennie surely won’t be ditching this fellow easily. This was a stand-out display that saw Nawaqanitawase announce himself to the world game as a Test-quality operator.
Dave Rennie
A year ago Rennie, once heavily linked with the Wales job, left the Principality Stadium in a rage after claiming poor refereeing decisions were behind his side’s 29-28 defeat. Given the paucity of his selection options ahead of this encounter, he must have feared Cardiff would once again become something of a grim destination for him and his team.
So to get a win from a game which appeared to have disappeared over the horizon at one stage must have been a great end of year fillip.
Australia have had a difficult year results-wise. Most of their defeats have come against New Zealand and South Africa, granted, but they have also been turned over by Argentina and Italy. So, Rennie has been under pressure as well as Wayne Pivac.
This, though, was just the tonic needed – all provided by the ever-reliable Dr Wales.
Read more: Wales cannot go on as they are and change is needed now with focus on the 2027 World Cup
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LOSERS
Justin Tipuric
Tipuric has been a Wales talisman almost his entire career. His place is secure as one of the Welsh games all-time warriors.
But his yellow card triggered Wales’ late collapse in this one and it may well play on his mind for some time.
When Aussie substitute Pete Samu burst onto an interception pass in the 67th minute, Tipuric acted instinctively by sticking out his left boot and tripping Samu up as if it were a football match. Would Samu have scored without the intervention? Possibly, possibly not. He still had a long way to go and Welsh covering defenders were already stepping on the accelerator.
Yet Tipuric should have known two things: that the offence would be seen, and that it would mean a definite yellow card. In the context of the game then, it was not a risk worth taking. So a poor decision, and a costly one.
Nobody can really lambast someone like Tipuric, but the cold truth is that his rush of blood led to his side losing.
Gareth Anscombe
One of the plus points of the second half of 2022 has been seeing the Kiwi-born No. 10 back on the field after a terrible run of serious injuries had him fearing for his career.
Anscombe was performing well up until the 55th minute, getting his back line moving well, kicking well and just generally being an assured presence in the pivotal role.
Then he took a bang on his shoulder, and the way he was helped off suggested it could be more than just a bang. He was looking to the stands and ruefully shaking his head – as if he knew it was something which will force him onto the sidelines for weeks, maybe months.
If that is the case, then it’s wretched luck for the Ospreys man who has had his fair share of time in the treatment room already.
Welsh Rugby Union
As we move towards the World Cup of 2023, the Welsh Rugby Union would seem to have so much to sort out to restore cohesion, structure and success, among other things, to the game in this nation.
Top of the pile in the in-tray is the future of Wales coach Wayne Pivac. His position is rightly the subject of considerable doubt after this campaign and a decision needs to be made promptly about whether he will take Wales to the World Cup.
It is a situation the WRU must have dreaded, but it is here and it must be dealt with.
There is a pall over Welsh rugby at the minute and the dismal results of November will have done nothing to increase the appeal of going to matches ahead of the men's Six Nations. There is much to address away from the men's national team, issues which are themselves inextricably linked to performance.
But getting Wales moving in the right direction again is paramount in terms of restoring some feel-good factor. It’s up to the WRU to make the correct decision in what are some very difficult times.
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