Australia 25 Wales 23 player ratings (From Western Telegraph)

Australia 25 Wales 23 player ratings

9:43pm Sunday 17th June 2012 in Wales Rugby By Iwan Davies

MAN OF THE MATCH: LEIGH HALFPENNY – Wales’ best player by a mile, slotting over five kicks from five, not all of them easy, and was heroic in defence. Given precious few chances to attack. 9

ALEX CUTHBERT: Impressive display by the giant wing who gives his all. A 100% player who needs much more ball so he can devastate the opposition. 7

JONATHAN DAVIES: Another solid performance by the ever dependable centre who took his try well and was competent in defence. 8

ASHLEY BECK: His first start for Wales was certainly no disaster but he was partly responsible for the Wallabies’ crucial try just before half-time. 6

GEORGE NORTH: Took his try well, his 11th in 23 caps, but was again wasted as one of Wales’ most potent attacking weapons who can terrorise defences. 7

RHYS PRIESTLAND: Another poor performance from the outside half who must be running out of second chances. Is he international class? The jury’s still out. 4

MIKE PHILLIPS: A great break aside, this was an average display at best from a player lacking zip. It could be a case now of come in No 9, your time is up. 4

GETHIN JENKINS: Is the great loosehead losing his mojo? Gave away three points and was penalised in the scrum for the easy kick Berrick Barnes missed. 5

MATTHEW REES: His lineout throwing beggared belief. It’s like having a surgeon who can’t operate. And it stopped Wales building any momentum. 4

ADAM JONES: Great around the field as always but the Australian scrum gave Jones and his 2009 Lions Test colleagues a tough afternoon. 6

BRADLEY DAVIES: Will surely make way for Ian Evans for the third and final Test. Wales were again outmuscled by the Australia eight in the tight. 5

ALUN WYN JONES: A class act who gives everything. Hopefully being reunited with Evans at lock next week will help turn the tide in Wales’ favour. 7

DAN LYDIATE: Another great defensive performance by the blindside. But he does need to now start adding a more rounded aspect to his game. 7

SAM WARBURTON: Was at fault for Australia’s try with Beck and some of his tactical decisions were baffling. Justin Tipuric should be given his chance. 4

RYAN JONES: His usual dependable self again. Wales’ renaissance man could well be rewarded with the captaincy if Wales drop Warburton and Rees. 7