Gareth Anscombe savours ‘big moment’ of helping Wales reach World Cup quarter-finals after injury hell… but jokes he was ‘p****d off’ at only matching Dan Biggar’s points record in victory over Australia
- Gareth Anscombe came on for Dan Biggar after fly-half was forced off by injury
- His 23-point haul helped Wales crush Australia 40-6 in man of the match display
- But Anscombe missed a late kick to beat Biggar’s World Cup points record
Gareth Anscombe joked he was ‘p****d off’ to have only matched Dan Biggar’s Wales World Cup points record but his comment was made firmly tongue in cheek after a night to remember.
Anscombe jumped for joy on two separate occasions as his 23-point haul helped Warren Gatland’s side qualify for the quarter-finals with one Pool C game still to go.
The 32-year-old certainly deserved to celebrate, his outstanding man-of-the-match display off the bench the crowning moment of what has been a remarkable four years.
After creating the game-sealing try for Nick Tompkins in the 40-6 hammering of Eddie Jones’ Australia, Anscombe leapt in the air like a salmon and pumped his fists.
He did likewise after captain Jac Morgan’s late score put the gloss on a record Welsh win over Australia.
Wales fly-half Gareth Anscombe celebrates victory over Australia with his son and daughter
‘I suppose I’ve tried to let myself enjoy big moments a little bit more,’ Anscombe said.
‘These moments are so intense. You really feel the pressure, so it’s nice to be able to release a little bit.
‘I’ll probably look to keep that in check a little bit! I had my daughter and my boy on the field with me after the game which was really special.
‘We work really hard so I think it’s important we celebrate little things and enjoy them as well.’
There was certainly plenty for Welsh fans to enjoy in Lyon. They became the first of the teams at the tournament here in France to qualify for the last eight.
When No 10 Biggar was forced off with an early pectoral injury, Anscombe was pressed into action sooner than he would have expected. How he responded. Anscombe and Wales were dominant.
Anscombe’s 23-point haul helped Warren Gatland’s side qualify for the quarter-finals
Australia wilted badly. Wallaby rugby is in crisis with their team set to exit this World Cup at the pool stages for the first time ever. Eddie Jones has been unable to make an impact.
Wales were far too good for them, crossing for three tries. Gareth Davies opened the scoring and to a man, Gatland’s side excelled.
Anscombe ended with six penalties, a conversion and a drop goal.
When analysing his brilliant display, it is worth remembering Anscombe plays with a bone graft from a deceased donor in his right knee. In 2019, Anscombe’s World Cup dream was ruined by a serious knee injury which required three operations to fix. The fact he was even able to take to the pitch in Lyon after what he has been through fitness-wise was remarkable.
‘It’s why you play the game,’ Anscombe said, matter-of-factly.
Had he not missed two penalties, Anscombe would have gone past Biggar’s Welsh World Cup points record which came against England in 2015 in what was another famous victory.
As it was, he levelled his friend’s mark.
The win was Wales’ biggest-ever over Australia and the Wallabies’ heaviest at a World Cup
‘Dan reminded me the last kick was to beat his record,’ Anscombe said.
‘I’m p****d off I’ve only tied that. Dan is a great man and we get along so well but he’s given me a bit of stick about that. It was important I did my job. It was nice to spend some time in the big arena.’
Wales have already sealed a quarter-final berth. But they will finish top of Pool C if they beat Georgia. Gatland’s side now go into their World Cup break period on the back of three wins.
Their turnaround since a dismal Six Nations has been simply extraordinary.
Wales hope Biggar’s injury shouldn’t prevent him from featuring in the knockout rounds. They are likely to face one of Argentina, Japan or Samoa in the last eight.
Gatland has given his players three days off because their final pool game is not until October 7.
Liam Williams summed up the exultant mood in the Wales camp.
‘To win by 34 points against Australia at a World Cup is a dream,’ he said.
Wales hope Dan Biggar’s injury shouldn’t prevent him from featuring in the knockout rounds
While Wales can barely believe their position, Jones is in trouble.
Australia’s ex-players have already begun to pile into the former England boss after the biggest World Cup defeat in Wallaby history.
‘It didn’t have to be like this,’ said former fly-half Bernard Foley.
Jones insisted he was committed to turning Australian rugby around after his Wales humiliation, denying reports he had interviewed for the Japan head coach role before this World Cup.
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