Wales beaten 36-28 by Australia as Test losing streak grows

For a second week running, a Wallabies side that are rebuilding took the spoils in a game that was there for the taking in the bid for a first win Down Under since 1969.

The Wallabies led 23-14 at the break thanks to the boot of Noah Lolesio with both teams crossing twice, wing Filipo Daugunu and scrum-half Jake Gordon for the hosts and Dewi Lake twice thanks to the formidable Welsh driving lineout.

A terrific move was finished off by wing Liam Williams to close the gap only for the Wallabies to respond through prop Allan Alaalatoa.

Daugunu went over again with a freak score only for Dragons winger Rio Dyer to respond with a majestic finish to make it a five-point game.

Wales had chances in the 22 but blew them and the Aussies sealed the win from the kicking tee.

FINISH: Dragons winger Rio Dyer powered over for Wales in Australia (Image: Huw Evans Agency)

Warren Gatland’s side will now head into their autumn opener against Fiji aiming to avoid hitting double figures for defeats.

It is 21 years since Wales, under Steve Hansen, suffered 10 losses on the bounce – their worst losing run.

The clash with Fiji is a must-win one for Gatland’s men, and before that they have a Friday friendly against Queensland Reds that could see Australians twist the knife.

Wales are in a pickle despite all the talks of positives; they failed to take opportunities against a Wallabies side that should be destroyed by the Lions next summer.

These was a series between two nations that are miles off South Africa, Ireland, England, New Zealand, France and Argentina.

There were reasons for optimism – notably the display of talisman Lake – but so much more is needed if Wales are to mix it with the big beasts.

The tourists started well but then conceded a farcical but brilliant score in the seventh minute that was sparked by a Wallabies error.

A loose pass in their 22 led to them playing their way out of trouble with wing Andrew Kellaway chipping from his line and slapping the ball back for openside Fraser McReight to charge away.

With Dragons wing Rio Dyer racing back to tackle, the flanker timed his pass to perfection for wing Daugunu to race away for a try that Lolesio converted.

A superb strike play then worked the Aussies back into the 22 where they piled the pressure on with 23 phases, eventually playing with penalty advantage.

Wales held firm but the well-crafted attack led to a 10-0 lead with 14 minutes gone, an advantage that they held after a horrendous Ben Thomas miss from the tee as the rain hammered down.

A neat attack led to James Botham being bundled into touch five metres out and that led to a botched Wallabies lineout that was gathered by Taine Plumtree but the back rower, with 8 on his back after the blow of losing Dragons talisman Aaron Wainwright, was held up over the line.

Wales responded well from their poor start but the error count was understandably high in awful conditions as the game entered the second quarter.

Another mistake led to try number two for the Aussies – scrum-half Gordon kicked high, full-back Cameron Winnett failed to gather and then Gordon pounced on the loose ball to step Botham and slide over.

At 17-0 it was essential that Wales scored next and they did – with the driving lineout a big weapon again.

A penalty was kicked to the 22 and the shove came on for hooker Dewi Lake to reap the rewards of hitting his man.

Thomas converted but Wales conceded a penalty from the restart and it was 20-7 after half an hour.

The tourists had a golden chance after 34 minutes when Lukhan Salakaia-Loto hit tighthead Archie Griffin.

He was sent to the sin-bin while it was decided whether it was yellow or red; it was deemed that the prop had dipped enough for it to just be 10 minutes on the side.

Nonetheless, Wales had a penalty – to the corner, driving maul, a double for Lake.

Thomas converted but Wales once again shot themselves in the foot to concede from the restart to allow Lolesio to make it 23-14.

A Welsh defensive stand in the 22 with the clock in the red kept the gap at nine points.

Australia negotiated the remaining three minutes of the sin bin but Wales struck in the 47th minute with a well-crafted try; after a terrific attack in which Lake was immense on the carry, the ball was worked left for wing Williams to cross.

CHALLENGE: Christ Tshiunza climbs high for Wales in Australia (Image: Huw Evans Agency)

Thomas converted and it was game on at 23-21.

A marginal call for a breakdown offence against Liam Williams – and needlessly lengthy TMO review for handbags – led to the Wallabies getting back on the front foot.

They moved into the 22 and replacement tighthead Allan Alaalatoa barged over with Lolesio hitting the left post with the conversion, meaning it was 28-21 with 55 minutes gone.

Wales had their opportunities but then were hit by a huge blow after 66 minutes with a freak score – Australia kicked a penalty to touch, Liam Williams jumped and slapped it infield to try and stop the lineout but the loose ball was snaffled by Daugunu for a run-in.

The conversion was wide but the Wallabies led 33-21 with 12 minutes to go.

Back came Wales and a superb finish by Dyer after a kick was charged down – showing real power down the left – gave hope.

That was followed by a majestic Costelow conversion and they were within five points.

The replacement fly-half caused mayhem with a cross-kick to earn a chance for a driving lineout in the 22 but replacement hooker Evan Lloyd’s throw was off target.

That was followed by a nightmare offence for offside from a kick, allowing the Aussies to seal the victory with a simple penalty for replacement Ben Donaldson.

Another frustrating defeat, and now they must lick their wounds before a banana skin in Brisbane.

Australia scorers: tries – Daugunu (2), Gordon, Alaalatoa; conversions – Lolesio (2); penalties – Lolesio (3), Donaldson.

Wales: Winnett; L Williams (Tompkins 68), Watkin, Grady, Dyer; B Thomas (Costelow 60), Bevan (Hardy 60); G Thomas, Lake (captain, Lloyd 68), Griffin (O’Connor 34-40), Tshiunza, Jenkins (Hill 64), Botham, Reffell, Plumtree.

Scorers: tries – Lake (2, L Williams, Dyer; conversions – Thomas (3), Costelow.

Referee: Nika Amashukeli (Georgia).