Rugby World Cup: Wales Into Quarterfinals After 40-6 Drubbing Of Australia - In Pics

Wales became the first team to qualify for the Rugby World Cup quarterfinals while virtually shutting the door on Australia’s hopes and putting the Wallabies in danger of their worst-ever showing. The Welsh won by a record 40-6, executing a low-risk, disciplined gameplan and crucifying the many Australian mistakes in Lyon. The Wallabies, winners in 1991 and 1999, have never missed the quarterfinals but losing consecutive pool games for the first time in 36 years left their fate in the hands of their Pacific neighbor Fiji, which upended them last week.

Updated: 26 Sep 2023 12:17 pm

Rugby World Cup: Australia vs Wales | Photo: AP/Laurent Cipriani

Wales' Aaron Wainwright celebrates with fans defeating Australia 40-6 during a Rugby World Cup Pool C match at the Parc OL stadium in Lyon, France. Wales qualified to the quarterfinals.

Australia's Pone Fa'Amausili covers his face after his side's 6-40 lost against Wales during a Rugby World Cup Pool C match at the Parc OL stadium in Lyon, France.

Rugby World Cup: Australia vs Wales | Photo: AP/Christophe Ena

Wales players celebrate after Jac Morgan scored a try during the Rugby World Cup Pool C match between Wales and Australia at the OL Stadium in Lyon, France.

Wales' Nick Tompkins celebrates after scoring a try against Australia during a Rugby World Cup Pool C match at the Parc OL stadium in Lyon, France.

Wales' Jac Morgan passes the ball during a Rugby World Cup Pool C match against Australia at the Parc OL stadium in Lyon, France.

Australia's Ben Donaldson is tackled by Wales' Taulupe Faletau during a Rugby World Cup Pool C match at the Parc OL stadium in Lyon, France.

Wales' Josh Adams, left, and George North tackle Australia's Mark Nawaqanitawase during the Rugby World Cup Pool C match between Wales and Australia at the OL Stadium in Lyon, France.

Wales' Taulupe Faletau tackles Australia's Carter Gordon during the Rugby World Cup Pool C match between Wales and Australia at the OL Stadium in Lyon, France.

Wales' Josh Adams is tackled by Australia's Mark Nawaqanitawase during the Rugby World Cup Pool C match between Wales and Australia at the OL Stadium in Lyon, France.

Wales' Gareth Davies, right, tackles Australia's Andrew Kellaway during the Rugby World Cup Pool C match between Wales and Australia at the OL Stadium in Lyon, France.