Australia win in Cardiff to create record run of defeats for Wales

Wales suffered a record 11th successive Test match defeat as Australia demolished them 52-20 in Cardiff and ramped up the pressure on head coach Warren Gatland.

Wales fell to an all-time results low in their 143-year international rugby history, and Gatland has now presided over 17 losses from 23 Tests during his second stint at the helm.

Australia, who are in Dublin to take on Ireland before the end of the month, overcame a 20-minute red card for centre Samu Kerevi as hooker Matt Faessler and full-back Tom Wright each scored a hat-trick of tries, while lock Nick Frost and centre Len Ikitau also claimed touchdowns, with fly-half Noah Lolesio landing six conversions.

Wales briefly fought back from an alarming early 19-point deficit through an Aaron Wainwright try, plus two Gareth Anscombe penalties and a conversion, with centre Ben Thomas scoring a late try that Sam Costelow converted, but there was no escaping another comprehensive setback.

During his first period in charge, Gatland masterminded World Cup semi-final appearances, Six Nations titles and Grand Slams, yet Wales are still without a win since the 2023 World Cup.

World champions South Africa arrive in the Welsh capital next Saturday, before Wales face a ferociously-tough Six Nations opener against France in Paris on January 31, suggesting there is no immediate end in sight to such a miserable run.

Just over a year after beating Australia 40-6 in the World Cup, they were left to reflect on conceding 50 points to them for a first time at home and the most the Wallabies have scored in Cardiff.

Wales suffered a blow just eight minutes into the contest when lock Adam Beard went off following a midfield collision, and he was replaced by Exeter forward Christ Tshiunza.

Austra