2024 Autumn: Wales Player Ratings (Australia)
Okay, let's dive into the rugby! Wales' Autumn internationals in 2024 against Australia are always a massive clash, a real nail-biter. This year was no different, and boy, did we see some stellar performances, and some… well, let’s just say others needed a bit more practice. Let's break down the individual player ratings, shall we? It's gonna be a rollercoaster.
The Scrum Gods (and Mortals)
Front Row: The Welsh scrum, typically a source of pride, had a mixed bag this autumn. There were moments of sheer brilliance, pushing the Aussies back like a runaway train. Then, poof, moments of weakness where the Aussies dominated.
- Wyn Jones: A solid 7/10. Consistent, reliable, and a real workhorse. Nothing flashy, but he got the job done.
- Ryan Elias (Hooker): 8/10. Man of the match in one game! His lineout throwing was impeccable, and his scrummaging was top-notch. A true leader on the field.
- Tomas Francis: 6/10. Struggled a bit in the scrum at times. Needs to find that extra gear to consistently compete at this level. Let's hope for improvement.
Second Row: The Engine Room
This was a position of real strength. The lineout was a serious weapon.
- Adam Beard: 8.5/10. A truly dominant force. Lineout steals, dominant tackles, and powerful carries. Absolute beast mode.
- Will Rowlands: 7.5/10. A solid partner to Beard, offering a great balance of power and skill.
Back Row: The Destroyers
The back row is the heart of any good team, and Wales' showed flashes of brilliance, but also some inconsistency.
- Justin Tipuric: 9/10. The maestro. He's still got it. His breakdown work was phenomenal, and his leadership was inspirational. What a player!
- Taine Basham: 7/10. Put in some big hits and carried well. Needs to add more consistency to his game, but has serious potential.
- Josh Navidi: 7.5/10. Another reliable performer. Solid tackling, good support play. A consistent presence on the pitch.
The Halves: Orchestrating Chaos (and sometimes brilliance)
The half-back pairing is crucial, and these guys had their ups and downs.
- Rhys Webb: 6.5/10. Moments of magic, but also some costly errors. His kicking game needs to be more consistent.
- Dan Biggar: 7/10. His goal-kicking was superb, and he controlled the game well. Could've taken more risks at times.
The Backline: Attack! Attack! Attack! (Sometimes)
This area is where Wales showed both exciting potential and frustrating inconsistency.
- Louis Rees-Zammit: 8/10. Pure speed and excitement. A constant threat, even when things weren't going well. A match-winner.
- Owen Watkin: 7/10. Solid, reliable defense and good attacking instincts.
- George North: 6/10. A legend, but he needs to rediscover his best form. The pace isn't quite there anymore, but his experience is vital.
- Liam Williams: 7.5/10. A rock at the back; his defensive work was superb. He provided a strong presence on the field.
Overall: A mixed bag
This Autumn series against Australia showed a Wales side with huge potential, but also some significant areas needing attention. There were glimpses of brilliance, but inconsistency let them down at times. This team is definitely a work in progress, but with the right tweaks, they could become a real force in the years to come. It's all about consistency, lads! Let's go, Wales!