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Wales player ratings vs Argentina | Rugby World Cup 2023
By Ian Cameron
Wales player ratings: A weird, wonderful and scrappy match for a number of reasons. Referee Jaco Peyper limped off after just 20 minutes while rating the Welsh efforts became significantly more difficult as their numbers started falling off their backs.
15. Liam Williams - 7/10
A reliable presence at fullback despite a heavily bandaged right leg, Williams showcased his usual high work rate and defensive skills. Had his moments in attack even though he looked a little ginger at times. Maybe should have been taken off after shipping a heavy tackle from Marcos Kremer.
14. Louis Rees-Zammit - 7
Showed his intent early doors with a menacing early dart down the wing and proved to be a potent attacking force throughout, consistently threatening the opposition with his speed and footwork. An overdone kick in the 62nd minute hurt Wales and struggled to break the Argie defence in the second 40, narrowly missing a potential match winner.
13. George North - 8
Had a near blemish-free first half in which he had a hand in everything that Wales did well. Didn't do so well in the second half when it was all about the Argentinian attack. Not to blame here.
12. Nick Tompkins - 5.5
Tompkins delivered a steady performance in the centre, offering his usual blend of defensive hustle and energetic attack. Got caught too many times - 3 to be precious - by the Argentinian jackaller however.
11. Josh Adams - 4
Had a quiet first half, one lowlight being a bungled pass with the Argentinian line beckoning, another being a braindead push on Matteo Carreras, which was lucky only to be a yellow. A day to forget for the Cardiff winger.
10. Dan Biggar - 7
Biggar controlled the game effectively and had some lovely touches in attack, making good tactical decisions and executing his kicking game. His composure was crucial and deservedly got on the scoreboard for Wales' first try, in which he touched the ball three times before going over. Clearly injured, he found himself trying to survive the final minutes at 13.
9. Gareth Davies - 6
Wales came to play with tempo and Davies was a major part of that. Provided plenty of quick ball at the breakdown and kept the tempo up throughout the first half, even if Los Pumas did get to him at times. Guilty of a couple of turnovers too.
8. Aaron Wainwright - 6
Wainwright - who was stepping into the boots of the injured Taulupe Faletau - was a physical presence in the forward pack but was part of a lineout that misfired. A well-taken try.
7. Tommy Reffell - 6
Reffell's work at the breakdown and in defence was commendable, disrupting the opposition's play, even if he didn't quite hit the heights that he managed against Georgia a week previous.
6. Jac Morgan - 7
A reckless disregard for his body, the Wales captain worked tirelessly in the loose and his overall contribution overshadowed most of his fellow forwards.
5. Adam Beard - 5.5
A relatively quiet outing from the towering lock, with the first half in particular passing him by. Got through a tonne of tackle work in the second-half and stayed in the fight.
4. Will Rowlands - 5
Rowlands put in a mostly solid shift in the second row and shone in the carrying stakes. Against that, he was culpable in at times chaotic Welsh lineout and
3. Tomas Francis - 7
Francis held his own on his side of the scrum and provided stability in the front row.
2. Ryan Elias - 5
Elias wasn't entirely accurate with his lineout throws and didn't stand out in open play.
1. Gareth Thomas - 5
Fell off a few tackles and was put under significant pressure by in the scrum by Francisco Gomez Kodela. He put in a workmanlike in the loose play even if he didn't exactly dominate.
REPLACEMENTS:
16. Dewi Lake - 6
The Wales co-captain was an improvement on Elias.
17. Corey Domachowski - 6
Was a significant improvement on Thomas in the scrummaging stakes.
18. Dillon Lewis - 5
Hard to fault the 15 minutes he spent on the pitch.
19. Dafydd Jenkins - 5
Failed to make an impact as the Argentinian forwards grew in statue as the game wore on.
20. Christ Tshiunza - 6
A strong cameo off the bench from the Exeter bruiser.
21. Tomos Williams - 8
Scored the try that edged Wales back in front. You can't ask for much more.
22. Sam Costelow - 5
Came on for Tompkins who had gone off for a HIA but wasn't able to pull the game from he fire for Wales.
23. Rio Dyer - 7.5
Tried to make things happen as Wales fought for their Rugby World Cup lives. Did all he could.
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Latest Comments
Hopefully Joe stays where he is. That would mean Les, McKellar, larkham and Cron should as well. It’s the stability we need in the state programs. But, if Joe goes, RA with its current financial situation will be forced into promoting from within. And this will likely destabilise other areas.
To better understand some of the entrenched bitterness of those outside of NZ and NSW (as an example 😂), Nic, there is probably a comparison to the old hard heads of welsh rugby who are still stuck in the 1970s. Before the days where clubs merged, professionalism started, and the many sharp knives were put into the backs of those who loved the game more than everyone else. I’m sure you know a few... But given your comparison of rugby in both wales and Australia, there are a few north of the tweed that will never trust a kiwi or NSWelshman because of historical events and issues over the history of the game. It is what it is. For some, time does not heal all wounds. And it is still festering away in some people. Happy holidays to you. All the best in 2025.
Go to commentsNot surprised to see Barretts rating. He has always been a solid defender for the ABs but not particularly effective in attack situations.
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