The Wallabies lost an enthralling clash 29-25 to Wales in Tokyo last Sunday, having also suffered a scare in their opening win over Fiji.
First-half sin-bins for high tackles by Adam Coleman and Lukhan Salakaia-Loto contributed to another slow start before they cut loose in Oita.
“I thought we were just a little bit off the pace at the start and that’s three times now,” Cheika said.
“I’ll have to get my prematch speech a little bit better. We were reading the first half nicely but it looked like we were a click away. And then we got the pace up in the second half.”
Teenage wing Jordan Petaia was among the scorers with a try on his debut.
Dane Haylett-Petty and Tevita Kuridrani also crossed in the first half and Kuridrani added his second after the break to make sure Australia earned a bonus point.
Continue reading your story on the app
Continue reading your story in the magazine
Vickery calls for greater variety
PHIL Vickery has told England to make better use of their “embarrassing” array of talent or risk defeat by a rejuvenated Wales.
These red cards could be shown every game
With the first break in the Six Nations this weekend, there’s a chance to review how the teams are performing and whether the matches are bringing what the game needs at this time.
Young Harry found his feet – and voice – in Wales...
Harry Randall belts out Mae Hen Wlad Fy Nhadau as the 16-yearold captain of Wales against England at The Gnoll on a spring Saturday afternoon seven years ago.
Shaun is just latest proof that League ideas work
What have the Romans ever done for us?” asks Reg, the anti-imperialist Judean revolutionary, during one of the many quotable scenes in Monty Python’s Life of Brian.
Perese card sees the Reds run free
THE Waratahs’ will not only have to contend with suffering a heavy loss to the Reds to kick off their Super Rugby AU campaign, but are also sweating on the injury to captain Jake Gordon and a possible ban for Izaia Perese following his red card.
Red cards can end clear-out madness
SO two rounds into the 2021 Six Nations and already we can reflect on two red cards for illegal, dangerous clear-outs, which frankly is one of the more predictable outcomes in this year’s tournament.
Guscott becomes pride of the Lions in Brisbane
Brendan Gallagher delves into some of rugby’s most enduring images, their story and why they are still so impactful
Covid can't keep Tuala down long
DESPITE having played just seven games, Ahsee Tuala is having an eventful season.
BT must not hold the Premiership to ransom
BT Sports has been good for Premiership Rugby, investing a lot of money, and a lot of time and effort in providing excellent coverage, but when it comes to major issues in the game, should they be reporting the facts, or expounding their views?
Why Spend If Academy System Works So Well?
It seems to me that Premiership Rugby has got rather too full of its own importance.
