One was magnificent, the other could have done with a splash of colour.
Australia showed the watching world, tonight, that they could dogfight with the best of them.
Michael Cheika’s side topped Pool A with a 15-6 victory over Wales, to ensure they face Scotland in the last eight.
The Wallabies made 116 tackles to Wales’ 54 as they took just about everything Warren Gatland’s injury-cursed troops could throw at them.
The most fascinating moments of the match arrived between the 61st and 74th minute when two Aussies – Will Genia and Dean Mumm – were sent to the sin-bin.
For eight minutes, during concurrent yellow cards, the Aussies defended their tryline with only 13 men.
It was the type of heroism that will surely inspire a song or two.
How the hell are Australia doing this with 13 men.. Best defensive display we've seen #RWC2015
— Niall Horan (@NiallOfficial) October 10, 2015
That 13-man goal-line stand from Australia was absolutely tremendous stuff. Shades of Argies on opening day in '07.
— Demented Mole (@dementedmole) October 10, 2015
Here are the highlights from a taut encounter:
HOWEVER the main talking point, post-match, was Brain O’Driscoll’s decision to wear a black silk shirt with a black suit… and no tie.
Craig Doyle thought it was a BIG call.
Just about everyone else logged into Twitter (this is just a sprinkling) pitched in:
https://twitter.com/TheMurphstar/status/652913142033354752
Brian O'Driscoll and Samwise Gamgee: Separated at birth #RWC2015 pic.twitter.com/9EGqmADwIG
— Woozle (@the_woozle) October 10, 2015
https://twitter.com/Andrew182651/status/652904695187509248
Did Brian O'Driscoll get dressed in the dark this morning?
— ND. (@nathan10D) October 10, 2015
Is Brian O'Driscoll performing his Johnny Cash tribute show after the match? #maninblack #AUSvWAL #AUS #WAL
— Andy Boreham (@andyb_briz) October 10, 2015
Brian O'Driscoll looks like a priest who has forgotten his dog collar.
— Rob Fielder (@ademir2z) October 10, 2015
