Wales Seek to End Losing Streak Against Resilient Wallabies
Cardiff, 16th November 2024 – The stakes are high as Wales prepare to host Australia in a crucial Autumn Nations Series clash at the Principality Stadium on Sunday. With a daunting run of 10 consecutive Test losses, the home side is facing the prospect of setting an unwanted record in their 143-year international rugby history.
Since their last victory against Georgia at the 2023 World Cup, Wales have been unable to taste success, falling to a string of defeats against the likes of Argentina, Scotland, England, and most recently, Fiji. Warren Gatland’s men now find themselves in uncharted territory, staring down the barrel of an 11th straight loss should they fail to overcome the resurgent Wallabies.
The pressure is mounting on Gatland, who has overseen just six wins from 22 Tests since returning as Wales boss prior to the 2023 Six Nations. With the world champion Springboks looming next, Wales could be in danger of going an entire calendar year without a single Test victory, a fate they have not experienced since 1937.
“The pressure is mounting on Gatland, who has overseen just six wins from 22 Tests since returning as Wales boss prior to the 2023 Six Nations.”
However, the Welsh squad remains confident, with flanker Jac Morgan making his first Test start in 13 months after recovering from injury. The backline will be led by experienced fly-half Gareth Anscombe, who has earned 13 more caps than the rest of the six starting backs combined.
Across the field, the Australians will be eager to build on their impressive 42-37 victory over England in their autumn opener. Coached by former Ireland boss Joe Schmidt, the Wallabies have made six changes, including the inclusion of exciting prospect Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii on the replacements bench.
With both teams desperate for a morale-boosting win, this clash promises to be a tightly contested affair. Wales will be seeking to rekindle the form that saw them record a dominant 40-6 victory over the Wallabies in the 2023 World Cup, while the visitors will be determined to avenge that result and consolidate their recent resurgence.
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