Australia v Wales LIVE rugby: Result and reaction as Wallabies end losing run with victory in Sydney
Warren Gatland’s struggling Wales side fell to the Wallabies in Sydney despite showing signs of progress
Wales suffered defeat to Australia in Sydney this morning in the first of two summer international Tests against the Wallabies.
Warren Gatland’s side had gone into the game on the back of seven straight defeats, having lost all of their matches at the Six Nations earlier this year and then falling to a 41-13 defeat at the hands of South Africa in June, and were unable to buck the trend against Australia.
In the first half their issues were rooted in the set pieces, and they struggled to make inroads in the scrum, but in the second it started to look a bit more frantic and they couldn’t find a way through the Australia line.
For the Wallabies, new head coach Joe Schmidt led them to victory having taken over after Eddie Jones led them to a humiliating elimination at the pool stage of the 2023 World Cup.
Both of these sides faced off in that tournament, with Wales running out 40-6 victors in September, though injuries and retirements mean that this time round, Gatland’s squad is weaker than he’d have liked heading into the tour.
Follow all the latest updates and reaction during the first test below, as well as all the reaction to New Zealand v England:
Penalty: Australia 18-16 Wales, 65 minutes
Penalty: Australia are doing so well to slow down the Welsh attack, other than their mauls, which have been impressive throughout the game.
Wales have a penalty, it’s a long way out but Thomas goes for it, and he sends it straight through the posts off the left-hand upright!
Australia 18-13 Wales, 62 minutes
Bevan kicks well and sets up a 50-22, in only his second Test match, can Wales use this as an opportunity to push forwards.
Australia 18-13 Wales, 60 minutes
Australia have the ball in a dangerous area, and they’re edging closer again.
Last time Wales had something, but this time it’s Australia who ruin their own advantage.
Lolesio does a kick to the outside, and it has gone straight through the runner’s hands.
That was a strange decision, they had numbers forward and options.
No try! Australia 18-13 Wales, 57 minutes
That’s unlucky for Wales, they were judged to have obstructed Australia and the hosts will stay five points ahead.
It looked for a moment like Botham, who had only been on the field for a matter of moments, would have a second for Wales.
Try! Australia 18-18 Wales
The Welsh lineout to try has looked so threatening.
Australia thought Wales were going straight and they have just gone round the back and found a way through!
Only a penalty would have stopped it and that was an impressive comeback from Wales.
But it’s not time for celebration yet, the referee is looking at the screen...
Australia 18-13 Wales, 56 minutes
Wainwright tried to drive forwards and for a brief second it looked like he was through, but there was just a late tackle.
Wales have a penalty as they drive again.
Australia 18-13 Wales, 53 minutes
It was a missed conversion attempt from Lolesio, but the try was scored quite wide on the right hand side.
Wales were truly cut open there.
Try! Australia 18-13 Wales, 53 minutes
Wales have brought Kemsley Mathias on for Gareth Thomas.
Australia are driving at Wales, and they have the advantage here, and they have their second try!
It looked like Daugunu had missed his chance, but he slid in over the line, and Australia have extended their lead at what could be a crucial moment in the second half.
Australia 13-13 Wales, 47 minutes
Just moments after drawing level, Australia have a scrum.
Australia edge towards the line, and are rolling through the phases.
But Wales get the penalty, it looked like a try was about to happen, and that was so important for Wales!
Penalty: Australia 13-13 Wales, 46 minutes
Australia have given away another penalty, the ball was kicked and ricocheted towards the line, but big carries from Wainwright and Lake in midifeld.
Thomas will kick, and this is a chance to make things level! Thomas sends the ball through the posts!
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