Wallabies Beat Wales, Handing Gatland 11th Loss
Wallabies Thump Wales 29-28 With Late Try
The Wallabies beat Wales 29-28 in a thrilling Test match at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff Saturday. The win was Wallabies' first over a northern hemisphere side since they beat Scotland in November 2021 ending a run of 9 straight defeats. It was also Wales coach Warren Gatland's 11th straight loss since returning for a second spell in charge in December 2022.
The Wallabies scored three tries through Fraser McReight, Nic White and Pete Samu, while fly-half Noah Lolesio kicked 14 points, including a match-winning conversion in the final minute after Samu's try. Wales, who led 13-6 at half-time, scored two tries through flanker Tommy Reffell and replacement hooker Dewi Lake, while fly-half Gareth Anscombe kicked four penalties and a conversion.
Wallabies' Comeback Victory
The Wallabies' victory was a major boost for new coach Eddie Jones, who replaced Dave Rennie in January. It was also a much-needed win for the Wallabies, who had lost their last five matches. The Wallabies started the match brightly and took an early lead through a McReight try, but Wales hit back with a try from Reffell and two penalties from Anscombe to lead 13-6 at half-time.
The Wallabies came out fighting in the second half and leveled the scores through a White try. Anscombe kicked another penalty to put Wales back in front, but the Wallabies hit back with a Samu try. Lolesio's conversion gave the Wallabies a 29-23, but Wales had a chance to win the match in the final minute. Anscombe kicked a penalty to make it 29-28, but the Wallabies held on for a famous victory.
Gatland's Woes Continue
The defeat was Gatland's 11 straight loss since returning as Wales coach. It was also Wales' fourth defeat in a row, their worst run of results since 2003. Gatland has been under pressure since returning to Wales, and his position is now likely to come under even more scrutiny following this latest defeat.
Wales will have a chance to bounce back when they face England in the Six Nations on February 25. The Wallabies will next face Scotland in Edinburgh on November 11.
