Wales thrashed by Australia as losing streak continues
The Independent|November 18, 2024
Wales suffered a record 11th successive Test match defeat yesterday as Australia demolished them 52-20 in Cardiff, ramping up the pressure on head coach Warren Gatland, who has now presided over 17 losses from 23 Tests during his second stint at the helm.
ANDREW BALDOCK
Wales thrashed by Australia as losing streak continues

Australia overcame a 20-minute red card for centre Samu Kerevi, as hooker Matt Faessler and full-back Tom Wright each scored a hat-trick of tries, while lock Nick Frost and centre Len Ikitau also claimed touchdowns. Fly-half Noah Lolesio landed six conversions.

Wales briefly fought back from an alarming early 19-point deficit through an Aaron Wainwright try, plus two Gareth Anscombe penalties and a conversion, with centre Ben Thomas scoring a late try that Sam Costelow converted, but there was no escaping another comprehensive setback.

During his first period in charge, Gatland masterminded World Cup semi-final appearances, Six Nations titles, and Grand Slams, yet Wales are still without a win since the 2023 World Cup.

World champions South Africa arrive in the Welsh capital next Saturday, before Wales face a tough Six Nations opener against France in Paris on 31 January, suggesting there is no immediate end in sight to such a miserable run.

Just over a year after beating Australia 40-6 in the World Cup, they were left to reflect on conceding 50 points to them for a first time at home, and the most the Wallabies have scored in Cardiff.

This story is from the November 18, 2024 edition of The Independent.

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This story is from the November 18, 2024 edition of The Independent.

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