Better from Wales but the Losing Streak Continues

There was a lot to like about the latest Welsh performance in Australia. True they lost the second test 36-28, but there were plenty of encouraging glimmers of hope that the excruciating run of defeats may come to an end some time soon.

Things started badly with the Wallabies racing to a 17-0 lead with even the bounce of the ball seemingly against Wales. Wales did show tremendous resilience to bounce back with two textbook tries for Lake from lineout drives. This was tempered though by conceding two soft penalties to be 23-14 down at half time. Wales had looked far livelier and were troubling the Australians far more than in the previous encounter last week.

Within ten minutes of the second half starting, Wales had scored their third try when Liam Williams crossed after sustained Welsh pressure. The conversion from Thomas meant that Wales had closed the gap to just two points at 23-21. Of course, the home side responded and used their big ball carriers to power over for a try and the lead was back to seven at 28-21.

The match was evenly contested with Wales getting good field position at times but failing to capitalise on it.  But then disaster for Wales. Liam Williams’ attempt to keep an Aussie touch-finder in play only goes straight into the arms of Daugunu who canters in for a try which looked to have put the game beyond Wales at 33-21.

Full credit to Wales who did not think the game was over and a splendid effort from Dyer running just inside the left hand touchline to score in the corner and a super conversion from Costelow put Wales back in touch at 33-25. The clock was against Wales as there were only five minutes to go and they attacked frenetically. Alas for Wales, they conceded yet another penalty in front of their posts and that was that. Australia ran out winners 36-28 and Wales were left mourning an opportunity missed.

This was an entertaining match if not of the highest quality. Wales showed great character and “won” the second half. The pack toiled hard with Lake and Botham both playing their hearts out in taking the game to the Wallabies. Behind the pack it still looked disjointed and finding the right combination is still the outstanding issue for Warren Gatland. Sadly losing has become a habit.

England who lost narrowly to the All Blacks for the second time and Ireland who pipped South Africa with a last gasp drop goal are both looking strong and along with France will make the Six Nations really difficult for Wales.