Wales thrashed by Australia as losing streak continues

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

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.