Issued on: 13.11.2024 – 13:44

2 minutes

Wales went down 24-19 to the Fijians last weekend in what was their 10th consecutive Test defeat.

Defeat to the Wallabies would see Gatland’s side set a new record, with fellow New Zealander Steve Hansen’s 2002-3 side also losing 10 in a row.

“We had honest reviews after last week’s game,” Gatland said.

“There were some things we did well that we’re looking to build on, but we need to be more precise and disciplined, especially in key moments.”

The Wallabies arrive in the Welsh capital after beating England 42-37 to launch their bid to emulate Australia’s Grand Slam-winning tourists in 1984. After Wales, they then face Scotland and Ireland.

“We expect an Australian team at a high level after their win against England,” Gatland said.

“They are a much improved side from the summer and have played a number of test matches since we last met. We know we have to put in an 80-minute performance on Sunday.”

The two sides last met in the summer when Australia claimed three Test victories.

Earlier, Wales cruised to a 40-6 win over the Wallabies at the 2023 Rugby World Cup in France, with the latter failing to progress from the group stage.

Wales field four changes to their starting XV on Sunday. James Botham and Jac Morgan come into the back row alongside Aaron Wainwright.

Ellis Bevan starts at scrum-half and Tom Rogers is named on the wing in place of the injured Tomos Williams and Mason Grady respectively.

There are also three changes among the Wales substitutes, with Tommy Reffell providing back-row cover, while Rhodri Williams and Eddie James join Sam Costelow as replacement full-backs.

Cameron Winnett continues at full-back, with Blair Murray on the other wing, outfield pairing of Max Llewellyn and Ben Thomas.

The front five is unchanged, with Dewi Lake leading the prostitute side in a front row that also includes Archie Griffin and Gareth Thomas. Adam Beard and Will Rowlands are the duo for the one-off Test at the Principality Stadium, Cardiff, on Sunday (kick-off 1610 GMT).

It has been over 400 days since Wales won a Test: a victory over Georgia at the 2023 World Cup.

Gatland’s second spell as Wales manager is proving far less successful than his first, from 2007 to 2019.

This brought four Six Nations titles — including three Grand Slams and two World Cup semi-final appearances.

But the 61-year-old has found wins harder to come by since replacing compatriot Wayne Pivac as Wales manager in December 2022, and defeat to Australia on Sunday would make a footnote in the records for all the wrong reasons .

Wales (15-1)

Cameron Winnett; Tom Rogers, Max Llewellyn, Ben Thomas, Blair Murray; Gareth Anscombe, Ellis Bevan; Aaron Wainwright, Jac Morgan, James Botham; Adam Beard, Will Rowlands; Archie Griffin, Dewi Lake (captain), Gareth Thomas

Subs: Ryan Elias, Nicky Smith, Keiron Assiratti, Christ Tshiunza, Tommy Reffell, Rhodri Williams, Sam Costelow, Eddie James

Coach: Warren Gatland (NZL)

© 2024 AFP