Rugby July Tests as it happened: Wonderful Wright try helps Wallabies to 25-16 win over Wales

It’s been a long time between celebratory drinks for the Wallabies in Sydney.

Australia’s last win in Sydney was in 2019 against Samoa at Commbank Stadium in Parramatta.

You have to go back to a 39-13 win over France in 2014 to find the last time Australia won a men’s Test match at Allianz Stadium. Remarkable stuff. Before tonight, the Wallabies had won one of their last 12 in Sydney since 2016.

I suspect the pubs in Paddington will be rocking tonight.

Wallabies skipper Liam Wright has spoken after that victory

“A great result,” Wright told Stan Sport’s Michael Atkinson on the broadcast. “We’ve put in a good few weeks of work now. This squad has got really tight. We weren’t perfect … but a lot of guys getting their first crack tonight and did everyone proud.”

Nine months after a World Cup nightmare against Wales, the Wallabies are officially back.

The Joe Schmidt era has begun in positive fashion after Australia recorded a 25-16 win over Wales at Allianz Stadium.

Wales continued to ask questions of the Wallabies right until the final minute but the men in gold fronted up in defence.

It was summed up by Charlie Cale, who had an excellent debut, stealing a lineout ball with the Wallabies camped near their own line just before full-time.

Tom Wright’s match-winning try was a beauty, while starting halfback Jake Gordon was one of Australia’s best.

Don’t underestimate the importance of this win. Many of these players have battled demons since last year’s World Cup and that will do their confidence the world of good.

Aussie fans can finally smile again.

WALLABIES 25, WALES 16

The Sydney crowd has gone wild.

Tom Wright has produced a super try down the right side to put the Wallabies in the box seat to seal this match.

The Wallabies counter-attack through Lynagh, who gives a ball to Wright 65 metres out from Wales’ line.

A little dummy and some space and Wright is away. Bang. Speed to burn. He has a clear run to the line, puts in a right-foot step, before finishing the job down the north-east side of Allianz Stadium. Ripper of a try just when the Wallabies needed it.

Wallabies 25 Wales 16 (71 mins)

Wales No.10 Ben Thomas slots a long-range penalty. It hits the right post and sneaks in.

Close game we have here in Sydney.

Australia 18 Wales 16 (66 mins)

The Wallabies butcher a try.

Noah Lolesio decides to chip over to Andrew Kellaway on the right wing when a couple of passes should have been enough to get the ball out to him in time to score.

You wonder what Joe Schmidt would be thinking about that audacious option. The Wallabies just need to maintain their composure but Wales aren’t letting up. Their kicking game is getting better as the match goes on.

Tom Lynagh comes on with 17 minutes remaining. The son of a champion. What can he produce?

Australia 18 Wales 13 (63 mins)

Wales aren’t going away.

As Charlie Cale comes on for a Wallabies debut, Wales reserve James Botham finishes off a lovely driving maul.

Hang on. No try. A Welsh player joins the maul in front of the ball, so the try does not stand.

Australia 18 Wales 13 (58 mins)