Sep 27, 20234 min read

Wales's Journey in the Rugby World Cup 2023 so Far

When it comes to the arena of international rugby, the Rugby World Cup 2023 has currently brought forth a plethora of memorable moments even to this early stage of the tournament, thrilling encounters, and heart-stopping action. One of the standout teams that has currently emerged in the competition has been the Welsh national team. Their journey so far through the world cup has been marked by nail-biting finishes, triumphant victories, and a showcase of exceptional talent and strategy. It's only been three games so far.

Wales v Fiji RWC2023, Wales emerged victorious from this electrifying encounter, with a final score of 32-26. The match was a roller coaster of emotions, with both teams displaying exceptional rugby skills. Wales excelled with their deadly combination of aggressive offence and solid defence, while Fiji put up an outstanding fight, making a remarkable comeback in the second half. — Wales v Fiji - Rugby World Cup 2023

The Showdown Against Fiji

Pre-Match Expectations

The clash between Wales and Fiji was one of the most anticipated matches in the Rugby World Cup 2023. Both teams were known for their aggressive gameplay and strategic prowess, making this face-off a must-watch for all rugby enthusiasts.

The Match Highlights

Wales emerged victorious from this electrifying encounter, with a final score of 32-26. The match was a roller coaster of emotions, with both teams displaying exceptional rugby skills. Wales excelled with their deadly combination of aggressive offence and solid defence, while Fiji put up an outstanding fight, making a remarkable comeback in the second half.

Josh Adams, George North, Louis Rees-Zammit, and Elliot Dee were the standout performers for Wales, each scoring a try. Dan Biggar also showcased his exceptional kicking skills, making significant contributions to the team's final score, with three conversions and two penalties.

Fiji, on the other hand, demonstrated their tenacity and fighting spirit. Waisea Nayacalevu, Lekima Tagitagivalu, Josua Tuisova, and Mesake Doge each scored a try, keeping the pressure on the Welsh side. Despite the defeat, Fiji's performance was commendable and won them much praise.

Post-Match Analysis

The match was a testament to Wales's strategic gameplay and resilience. Despite Fiji's late resurgence, Wales managed to hold their nerve and secure a crucial victory. This win played a pivotal role in boosting their confidence for the upcoming matches in the tournament.

Wales v Portugal RWC2023, The match ended in a 28-8 victory for Wales. However, the scoreline does not reflect the closely contested nature of the game. Portugal put up a spirited fight, testing the Welsh defence multiple times. Nicolas Martins, in particular, stood out for Portugal with an impressive try. For Wales, Louis Rees-Zammit, Dewi Lake, Jac Morgan, and Taulupe Faletau each scored a try, while Leigh Halfpenny contributed significantly with successful conversions. — Wales v Portugal - Rugby World Cup 2023

The Battle Against Portugal

Before the Match

After their victory against Fiji, Wales faced Portugal in their next match. With a boosted morale and an impressive track record, Wales where the clear favourites for this fixture. However, Portugal, known for their unpredictable gameplay, where not to be underestimated.

The Game Unfolds

The match ended in a 28-8 victory for Wales. However, the scoreline does not reflect the closely contested nature of the game. Portugal put up a spirited fight, testing the Welsh defence multiple times. Nicolas Martins, in particular, stood out for Portugal with an impressive try that had been beautifully worked, something you would suspect that had been worked on, in training multiple time as it caught Wales off guard, Samuel Marques the number 9 had a mixed game for Portugal, his missed penalties on another day could of put Wales under much not needed pressure, a fine display from Portugal, whom also were rocked by a late red card to Vincent Pinto that the referees deemed dangerous play.

Samuel Marques - Portugal number 9 - Rugby World Cup 2023 - RWC2023 - Visit Caernarfon — Samuel Marques - Portugal No9

Although Portugal had put in a fine display against a strong nation in this World Cup, Gatland the Head coach of the national team did announce there had been 13 changes to the line up. Dewi Lake being captain during this game will be very happy that he had a victory showcasing his leadership qualities to this fine team.

For Wales, Louis Rees-Zammit, Dewi Lake, Jac Morgan, and Taulupe Faletau each scored a try, while Leigh Halfpenny contributed significantly with successful conversions, Louis

Rees-Zammit proving to be a real asset to the Welsh National Team during this World Cup.

Louis Rees-Zammit playing for Wales during the Rugby World Cup 2023 - Wales v Portugal — Louis Rees-Zammit - Wales v Portugal

After the Whistle

Despite the win, Wales acknowledged that the match was a tough challenge. They praised Portugal's effort and admitted that the match was a learning experience for them. They vowed to learn from their mistakes and improve their performance in the upcoming matches.

Which would defiantly show against Australia.

Wales v Australia RWC2023 - Wales delivered an outstanding performance, securing a resounding 40-6 victory against Australia. Gareth Davies, Nick Tompkins, Jac Morgan, and Taulupe Faletau each scored a try for Wales. Gareth Anscombe's kicking was a highlight of the match, with six successful penalties, a conversion, and a drop goal. Australia, on the other hand, could only manage two early penalties from Ben Donaldson. — The Wallabies, Didn't want it.

The Clash with Australia

Setting the Stage

The match against Australia was a significant milestone for Wales in the Rugby World Cup 2023. A win here would mean a place in the quarter-finals, and the stakes were high.

The Game Highlights

Wales delivered an outstanding performance, securing a resounding 40-6 victory against Australia. Gareth Davies, Nick Tompkins, Jac Morgan, and Taulupe Faletau each scored a try for Wales. Daniel Biggar added a early 4th minute conversion but had to come off due to a injury to his pectoral early on, leaving Gareth Anscombe were his kicking became a highlight of the match, with six successful penalties, a conversion, and a drop goal.

Gareth Davies (born 18 August 1990) is a Wales international rugby union player currently playing for the Scarlets. His position is scrum-half. He is a fluent Welsh speaker. Gareth was selected for the 2021 Tour of South Africa for the British and Irish lions, making four appearances and scoring one try. [1] Davies went to Ysgol Gyfun Dyffryn Teifi in Llandysul before studying Sports Development and Coaching at Coleg Sir Gar in Llanelli. He has been with the Scarlets since he joined the academy in 2006. He has over 100 appearances for the Scarlets scoring over 100 points. Davies was the top try scorer in the Pro12 for the 2013-14 season, scoring 10 tries. This caught the eye of Wales head coach Warren Gatland to select him for the summer tour of South Africa in 2014 — Gareth Davies - Wales v Australia Rugby World Cup 2023

Australia, on the other hand, could only manage two early penalties from Ben Donaldson, showing they were in-deed a wounded animal coming into this game, The Dragons of Wales themselves came out with fire showing no mercy for the Wallabies, devastating them completely, making them look like minnows in this competition, a quality display from Wales.

Aftermath of the Game

This victory marked Wales's entry into the quarter-finals of the Rugby World Cup 2023. Their dominant performance against Australia was a testament to their potential as strong contenders for the cup. On the other hand, Australia's loss meant that they are on the brink of a pool stage exit for the first time.