A narrow 19 - 17 defeat for Wales in the second test, the first test was lost 18 - 8, marked a disappointing end to a disappointing tour down under for the 1978 grand slam champions. The tour was also marred by blatant thuggery by some of Wales' opponents, the worst episode of which saw an Australian fist go unpunished after shattering the jaw of Wales' prop Graham Price. And the Wales utility back Alan Donovan returned home in a wheelchair. The tourists also had to contend with some shocking refereeing by home officials - including defeat to the Sydney provincial side from late a drop goal which sailed 4 yards wide of the post. Indeed things got so bad that Wales team manager Clive Rowlands wanted to bring his team home mid tour.

Wales were without half back legends Phil Bennet and Gareth Edwards for the tour, both having retired from International duty after the grand slam decider against France the previous march. They were replaced at half back by the more than capable young Cardiff duo Gareth Davies and Terry Holmes. The tour brought the curtain down on Gerald Davies' glittering rugby career and it was perhaps fitting that the welsh wing legend got the final score of the game to bring Wales within two points of the home team. Wales tour captain Terry Cobner also retired from the international game after the tour.