Wallabies processing ‘depressing’ Wales defeat

The Wallabies are looking to move on from their 40-6 defeat to Wales last weekend as they prepare for their final pool game against Portugal.

The side were left deflated after their largest defeat in Rugby World Cup history, with fullback Andrew Kellaway admitting it was a tough watch back.

"Incredibly depressing," he told reporters about the review.

"...In terms of the loss, how did I deal with it? Probably not that well. Gutted, right? It’s the pinnacle of our game and we weren’t able to perform and we let a lot of people down.

"We felt exactly how that would look from the outside but Eddie has been great and the coaching staff fantastic, reminding us that we have another game to go here. A big pat on the back for them because they are probably hurting as much, if not more, than the rest of us. I can’t applaud them enough."

Assistant coach Dan Palmer confirmed this, looking to refocus before Sunday's match.

"We’re obviously gutted with what happened on the weekend," Palmer added.

"This whole group: the playing group, the coaching group and the staff have put a lot into it the last few months...We’ve refocused pretty quickly on what we need to do this week and focus on putting out a performance together against Portugal."

Palmer revealed Taniela Tupou (hamstring) and Will Skelton (calf) will remain on the sidelines as they deal with their respective injuries.

Flyhalf Ben Donaldson understands the threat Portugal possesses, building confidence after their 18-all draw to Georgia.

"They pushed Wales for a good 50-60 minutes in that game and they probably should have won last week against Georgia as well," he added.

"So they're a growing team, they're playing some real expansive footy, they've got some electrifying players in their team and like these two said, we need to be on our game this week.

"It is a Test match, it's pretty easy to get up for a Test match, you're playing for your country. They played the Australia A boys a couple of months back and they looked really clinical in that. So can't be taking them lightly. Like Kel said they'll be licking their lips, looking at a game against us.

"So we just prepare like we usually do out here this week and then come ready to go on Sunday night."