Wales suffered a record 11th successive test defeat as they were comfortably beaten 52-20 against Australia at The Principality Stadium, writes Ben Thomas.
The Wallabies scored eight tries in a clinical display despite spending 20-minutes of the fixture down to 14-men when Samu Kerevi received a red card for a dangerous shoulder challenge early in the second half.
In a back and forth opening it was the visitors who threatened first to open the scoring following some quick hands from Max Jorgensen found Len Ikitau. With the centre millimetres from the try line he was denied by the Welsh defence as they forced a touchback.
The Wallabies began to gain confidence however and it wasn’t long before they got their first score. Fullback Tom Wright forcing his way through the Welsh defence all to easily before scoring in the corner in the 13th minute.
They went over again just three minutes later as Wright capitalised on a poor pass to send Nick Frost through to score under the posts.
Australia continued their relentless assault on the home defence as Matt Faessler crashed over the line in the 24thminute, following a penalty that was kicked into the corner.
Despite the tough start the low in confidence home side got themselves on the scoresheet just three minutes later as Aaron Wainwright crossed over under the posts sparking relieved celebrations.
The try looked to have turned the momentum of the game as Wales looked to apply their own offensive pressure. Gareth Anscombe cutting the deficit further with a penalty in the 33rdminute.
Anscombe converted a second penalty four minutes later cutting the Australian lead to just six points as both sides headed into the break.
Warren Gatland’s hopes of ending their 10-match unbeaten run was further helped early in the second half when Samu Kerevi was shown a yellow card for his dangerous tackle that was later upgraded to a 20-minute red card.
Despite the man disadvantage it was Joe Schmidt’s side who crossed the try line next with Faessler getting his second of the afternoon in the 47th minute. Faessler got his third of the afternoon and Australia’s fifth just six minutes later crossing just right of the posts to open a 20-point lead.
The nightmare second half continued for Wales as Wrightintercepted a Sam Costelow pass in midfield to run clear and convert their sixth try of the game in the 61st minute.
The hosts eventually broke down the stubborn Wallabies in the 69th minute with Ben Thomas breaking through to score before Costelow converted his kick.
There was still time for further misery as Ikitau and Wright crossed over in the final five minutes leading to hordes of Welsh supporters making an early exit. The final whistle brining to an end another difficult day for Welsh rugby.
Wales: 20
Tries: Aaron Wainwright (1), Ben Thomas (1)
Conversions: Gareth Anscombe (1), Sam Costelow (1)
Penalties: Gareth Anscombe (2),
Australia: 52
Tries: Tom Wright (3), Nick Frost (1), Matt Faessler (3), Ken Ikitau (1)
Conversions: Noah Lolesio (6),
Red card: Samu Kerevi 41’
Wales: 1 Gareth Thomas, 2 Dewi Lake ©, 3 Archie Griffin, 4 Will Rowlands, 5 Adam Beard, 6 James Botham, 7 Jac Morgan, 8 Aaron Wainwright, 9 Ellis Bevan, 10 Gareth Anscombe, 11 Blair Murray, 12 Ben Thomas, 13 Max Llewellyn, 14 Tom Rogers, 15 Cameron Winnett.
Replacments: 16 Ryan Elias, 17 Nicky Smith, 18 Keiron Assiratti, 19 Christ Tshiunza, 20 Tommy Reffell, 21 Rhodri Williams, 22 Sam Costelow, 23 Eddie James.
Australia: 1 Angus Bell, 2 Matt Faessler, 3 Allan Alaalotoa ©, 4 Nick Frost, 5 Will Skelton, 6 Seru Uru, 7 Fraser McReight, 8 Rob Valentini, 9 Nic White, 10 Noah Lolesio, 11 Max Jorgensen, 12 Samu Kerevi, 13 Len Ikitau, 14 Andrew Kellaway, 15 Tom Wright.
Replacments: 16 Brandon Paenga-Amosa, 17 James Slipper, 18 Zane Nonggon, 19 Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, 20 Langi Gleeson, 21 Tate Mcdermott , 22 Ben Donaldson, 23 Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii.
Words By Ben Thomas
HTSPORTSNEWS 