Australia stunned by Wales as lightning stops play
The Wallaroos have suffered a concerning loss on the road to the Rugby World Cup, upset 21-12 by Wales in a wet and wild Test match in Brisbane.
Australia scored the opening try through lock Annabelle Codey in the seventh minute before lightning stopped play for 30 minutes as players and fans ducked for cover at Ballymore.
Wales, ranked 10th in the world to Australia's sixth, reacted better to the break as player of the match Nel Metcalfe crossed for a double.
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Lisa Neumann of Wales runs the ball.
Wallaroos No.8 Tabua Tuinakauvadra then crossed just before halftime to cut Wales' lead to 14-12.
Australia was unable to breach some gritty Wales defence in the second half and visiting centre Hannah Dallavalle landed the killer blow when she collected a beautiful grubber from No.10 Lleucu George.
"I think we had too many dropped balls and we didn't really play like we know we can," Wallaroos captain Emily Chancellor told Stan Sport.
Tabua Tuinakauvadra of the Wallaroos competes.
"It's back to the drawing board for us - a little bit of internal reflection... I think we came out really well in those first 10 minutes after the lightning so you can't really use that as an excuse."
It was Wales' first away win in 818 days.
"Oh my God, bloody awesome," Alex Callender told Stan Sport.
Alex Callender of Wales takes on the defence.
"I am genuinely so proud of the girls. We've had a tough preseason and this result really means a lot to us. This is where we put our foot down now and this is where we stay.
"Really proud of the girls and just excited for our journey ahead. We came in and we wanted it to be physical, and I think our defence was outstanding today."
The teams go again at North Sydney Oval on Friday before flying to England for the World Cup which kicks off on August 23.
Wales 21 (Metcalfe 2, Dallavalle tries; Bevan 3 cons) Wallaroos 12 (Codey, Tuinakauvadra tries; Miller cons)
