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The defeat in Sydney was Wales’ eighth international loss on the bounce and they have not won a Test match since beating 2023 World Cup pool-stage opponents Georgia last October.<\/p>\n
Wales have also slipped to 11th in the world rankings, their lowest ever position.<\/p>\n
Another defeat against Australia would leave Wales one short of their worst Test run, a 10-game sequence from 2002 to 2003 under New Zealander Steve Hansen.<\/p>\n
Gatland has a 30% success rate during his second stint as Wales boss, with six wins and 14 defeats in 20 internationals since he took over from Wayne Pivac before the 2023 Six Nations.<\/p>\n
“We’re looking forward to getting back out on the pitch this weekend in Melbourne,” said Gatland.<\/p>\n
“This week we’ve been going through our processes, building on what worked well and sharpening the areas that need improvement.<\/p>\n
“We expect Australia to go up another level this weekend and we know we need to as well.<\/p>\n
“We want to start well and make sure we are disciplined and accurate from the off.<\/p>\n
“Then it’s about keeping in the arm-wrestle for the duration.”<\/p>\n
Wales v Australia:<\/b> Cameron Winnett; Liam Williams, Owen Watkin, Mason Grady, Rio Dyer; Ben Thomas, Ellis Bevan; Gareth Thomas, Dewi Lake (capt), Archie Griffin, Christ Tshiunza, Dafydd Jenkins, James Botham, Tommy Reffell, Taine Plumtree.<\/p>\n
Replacements: <\/i>Evan Lloyd, Kemsley Mathias, Harri O’Connor, Cory Hill, Mackenzie Martin, Kieran Hardy, Sam Costelow, Nick Tompkins.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
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