WALES endured their eighth consecutive Test defeat after missing an opportunity against a new-look Australia in Sydney. The Wallabies, under the new guidance of Joe Schmidt, emerged victorious in an error-strewn contest, winning 25-16.

At half-time, the score stood at 13-10 following a strong response from Wales to tighthead Taniela Tupou’s try. A dominant lineout drive earned Wales a penalty try. However, the Wallabies regained the lead through wing Filipo Daugunu. A sublime counter-attack from full-back Tom Wright clinched the game, sealing Schmidt’s successful debut as head coach.

Wales must now regroup for the second Test in Melbourne. Of particular concern was the sight of talisman Aaron Wainwright limping off after a typically strong performance on his 50th cap.

The match, characterised by poor quality play, pitted a Wales side, whitewashed in the Six Nations, against a Wallabies team rebuilding after a disappointing World Cup under Eddie Jones.

Conservative Approach and Discipline Issues

Warren Gatland will argue that his team is in transition, pointing to the inexperience within the matchday 23. However, it was another conservative performance. With poor discipline and a shaky set piece, Wales relied heavily on their kicking game.

Despite showing character under pressure, similar to their defeat against South Africa at Twickenham, Wales failed to build sustained pressure. This inability to exploit the inexperience of the Australian side meant they missed the chance to secure their first victory down under since 1969. The green and gold celebrations continued for a twelfth consecutive fixture.

Key moments and match summary

Dragons wing Rio Dyer was lively on the charge for Wales. Ben Thomas, starting at fly-half to add physicality, put Wales ahead 3-0 in the third minute after a no-arms tackle by experienced Wallabies prop James Slipper. The Aussies levelled through Noah Lolesio and then took the lead after a powerful scrum earned a penalty.

The Wallabies dominated possession early, with Wales’ discipline faltering. Six penalties inside the first quarter earned a warning from French referee Pierre Brousset. Tighthead Tupou’s try extended the Wallabies’ lead, converted by Lolesio to make it 13-3.

Wales responded with a penalty try, levelling the numbers after Fraser McReight was sin-binned. However, errors from both sides prevented further scoring before half-time.

Second half struggles

Wales started the second half with promise, forcing a five-metre scrum, but failed to capitalise. Thomas levelled the scores with a penalty in the 46th minute. Despite a timely penalty by Christ Tshiunza, Wales’ wonky lineout returned possession to Australia.

Daugunu’s diagonal burst extended the Wallabies’ lead to 18-13. Although Wainwright continued to inspire, a try by James Botham was disallowed for obstruction. Australia capitalised on Wales’ loose clearance kick, with Wright’s brilliant counter-attack sealing the victory.

Final score and lineups

Australia’s scorers included tries from Tupou and Daugunu, with conversions from Lolesio and Lynagh. Lolesio also added two penalties.

For Wales, the lineup featured L Williams, J Hathaway, O Watkin, M Grady, R Dyer; B Thomas, E Bevan; G Thomas, D Lake (captain), A Griffin, C Tschiunza, D Jenkins, T Plumtree, T Reffell, and A Wainwright. Scorers for Wales included a penalty try and three penalties by Thomas.

Referee: Pierre Brousset (France).