Wales Suffer Record Defeat Against Australia in Cardiff
(Cardiff, November 2022) – In a historic clash, the Wales national rugby union team suffered their worst-ever defeat, falling to a humiliating 52-20 loss against the visiting Australia Wallabies at Cardiff’s Principality Stadium.
The embarrassing result leaves the position of Welsh head coach Warren Gatland under intense scrutiny, as his side extended their dismal run to 11 consecutive international defeats – a new low in their 143-year history.
Australia hooker Matt Faessler and full-back Tom Wright stole the show, completing hat-tricks in the Wallabies’ eight-try rout. The visitors raced to a commanding 19-0 lead in the first half, with tries from Wright, lock Nick Frost, and Faessler.
“Wales responded with a try from number eight Aaron Wainwright and points from the boot of Gareth Anscombe, but they were unable to capitalize on the 20-minute red card shown to Australia’s Samu Kerevi in the second half.”
The Wallabies added three more tries when down to 14 men, including doubles for Faessler and Wright. Cardiff centre Ben Thomas crossed for a late consolation try, but it was a day to forget for the beleaguered Welsh, who have now won just one out of their last nine games at the Principality Stadium. The result sees them slip to 11th in the world rankings, a stark contrast to the glory days under Gatland’s previous 12-year tenure.
The pressure is mounting on Gatland, with former Wales players and pundits calling for his resignation. However, the issues extend beyond the coach, with questions also being raised about the leadership of the Welsh Rugby Union.
Wales’ daunting task of facing world champions South Africa next weekend looms, as they desperately seek to avoid ending the calendar year without a single win – a fate they have not experienced since 1937.
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