Australia end long, brutal autumn on a depressingly meaningless high

Wallabies ground out comeback win over Wales in a context-free match neither team needed but neither could afford to lose

Five weeks ago, when Blair Kinghorn hoofed a ball high into the frosty Edinburgh air, five consecutive Tests in five different countries for Dave Rennie’s Wallabies seemed like a good idea. His team had blown hot and cold during the Rugby Championship and had shown glimpses of their potential in a 2-1 series loss to England. This end-of-year tour would complete the Six Nations set to go along with their regular bouts with the southern hemisphere giants. Less than a year out from the World Cup, all stones would be turned.

Now, the best thing we can say about this European adventure is that it’s over. Not every member of the squad who jetted across the world more than a month ago reached the finish line. The Wallabies’ injury list is now up to 40. Mid-tour casualties include Nic White, Rob Valetini, Andrew Kellaway, Hunter Paisami, Bernard Foley, Dave Porcecki and Michael Hooper. Add to the mix Quade Cooper, Samu Kerevi, Scott Sio and Tom Banks. We could go on.