Howley rues sluggish start

Source: peoplenetv.com --- Saturday, November 05, 2016
By PA Sport Last Updated: 05/11/16 6:51pm Israel Folau is tackled by Leigh Halfpenny and Alex Cuthbert Wales coach Rob Howley felt his players paid the price for a sluggish first half as Australia claimed a 32-8 victory in Cardiff. The Wallabies breezed into a 20-3 half-time lead which would have been far greater had they taken all their chances. Wales mounted a belated comeback late on but Australia’s superiority was reflected by a handsome five to one advantage on the try count. “It’s very disappointing and very frustrating,” said Howley, who is in interim charge of Wales with Warren Gatland on leave ahead of next summer’s British and Irish Lions tour to New Zealand. “I think the possession and territory at one stage was 80 per cent, so it wasn’t what we expected. Sekope Kepu fends off Wales fly-half Dan Biggar “We never had a foothold in the game and, when you give a side that’s very cohesive and been together a long period of time chances, you see how effective they can be with speed of ball in the contact area. “We were unable to influence that area and get a defensive line set and, in fairness to Australia, they took every advantage they could and created a number of tries. “It was much improved in the second half because we did have a foothold. “But then you’re influenced by the scoreboard and start playing too much rugby in your own half.” Folau had an outstanding game for the Wallabies Wales’ remaining autumn programme s ...

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