Wales vs Australia Preview: Team News & Prediction | 2024 Autumn Internationals
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Facing an unprecedented 11th defeat in a row, a morale-depleted Welsh side welcome Australia, who come fresh off an exhilarating victory against England at Twickenham last week.
Start date/time: Sunday 17th November, 2024, UK – 4:10pm / US ET – 11:10am / US PT – 8:10am
How to watch on tv: UK – TNT Sport / US – Peacock
How to watch online: UK – discovery+ / US – Peacock
Wales Form: Gatland on the brink
After a 24-19 defeat to Fiji last weekend – their first ever loss to those opponent on home soil – Warren Gatland is in imminent danger of losing his job should his side fail to record a positive result in Cardiff here.
It is now ten consecutive defeats for the Welsh, which equals their worst ever run in international rugby, so a shake up could well be needed should that become 11 against the Wallabies on Sunday.
LAST FIVE: LLLLL
Australia form: Turning a corner
It’s fair to say that Australia have had their own issues of late as well, highlighted by their abysmal showing in the recent Rugby Championship where they came in last place having won just one of their five games against their southern hemisphere rivals.
However, there was a marked improvement in Twickenham last week when a last-minute Max Jorgensen try handed them a 42-37 victory over England, so head coach Andrew McDonald – who recently signed a new contract – has something to build upon ahead of this match.
LAST FIVE: WLLLW
Wales Team News: Four changes from Fiji defeat
SQUAD: 15 Cameron Winnett, 14 Tom Rogers, 13 Max Llewellyn, 12 Ben Thomas, 11 Blair Murray, 10 Gareth Anscombe, 9 Ellis Bevan, 8 Aaron Wainwright, 7 Jac Morgan, 6 James Botham, 5 Adam Beard, 4 Will Rowlands, 3 Archie Griffin, 2 Dewi Lake (c) 1 Gareth Thomas
REPLACEMENTS: 16 Ryan Elias, 17 Nicky Smith, 18 Keiron Assiratti, 19 Christ Tshiunza, 20 Tommy Reffell, 21 Rhodri Williams, 22 Sam Costelow, 23 Eddie James
Australia Team News: Kerevi in for Suaalii
SQUAD: 15 Tom Wright, 14 Andrew Kellaway, 13 Len Ikitau, 12 Samu Kerevi, 11 Max Jorgensen, 10 Noah Lolesio, 9 Nic White, 8 Rob Valetini, 7 Fraser McReight, 6 Seru Uru, 5 Will Skelton, 4 Nick Frost, 3 Allan Alaalatoa (c), 2 Matt Faessler, 1 Angus Bell
REPLACEMENTS: 16 Brandon Paenga-Amosa, 17 James Slipper, 18 Zane Nonggorr, 19 Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, 20 Langi Gleeson, 21 Tate McDermott, 22 Ben Donaldson, 23 Joseph-Aukuso
Wales vs Australia Prediction
Given their performances this year, it is difficult to imagine Wales raising their game to the standard required to beat Australia here, but that is perhaps what is needed if Warren Gatland is to remain in charge beyond this match.
In all likelihood though, the Wallabies – fresh off a vastly improved attacking display against England last week – are likely to provide the final nail in the coffin for Gatland’s disappointing second stint.
Wales vs Australia Tip: Australia to win
