Australia take series win as Wales' winless run continues

Wales lost their ninth successive Test match as Australia wrapped up a 2-0 series win by beating them 36-28 in Melbourne.

It was a 15th loss in 21 Tests since Warren Gatland returned for a second stint as head coach, with the Wallabies prevailing through tries from wing Filipo Daugunu (two), scrum-half Jake Gordon and prop Allan Alaalatoa.

Wales matched their opponents for long periods as skipper Dewi Lake touched down twice, while there were also tries for wings Liam Williams and Rio Dyer. Fly-half Ben Thomas kicked three conversions and Sam Costelow one.

But Noah Lolesio's goalkicking made the difference as his 13-point haul thwarted battling Wales' bid for a first win against Australia Down Under since 1969, and Ben Donaldson added a late three-pointer.

It was Wales' best performance this year, yet they are now just one more defeat from equalling their record losing run of 10 Tests in 2002 and 2003.

Wales were rocked by a spectacular Wallabies score after just seven minutes when they attacked from deep inside their own 22.

Australia were under pressure defensively, but wing Andrew Kellaway turned it into a blistering counter-attack as he kicked into space then flicked an inside ball to flanker Fraser McReight, and he surged clear before sending Daugunu for his second touchdown in successive games.

Lolesio added the conversion, and his penalty eight minutes later following 21 attacking phases deep inside Wales territory made it 10-0.

Thomas missed a chance to open Wales' account when he drifted a penalty wide in driving rain at AAMI Park, then the visitors twice threatened Australia's line when flanker James Botham and number eight Taine Plumtree went close.

Wales had plenty of possession, yet the conditions made handling