Australia begin Schmidt era with victory against Wales

Australia (13) 25

Tries: Tupou, Daugunu, T Wright Cons: Lolesio, T Lynagh Pens: Lolesio 2

Wales (10) 16

Tries: Penalty try Cons: Pens: B Thomas 3

Australia defeated Wales in Sydney to give new coach Joe Schmidt an opening victory in his first match in charge.

Tries from Taniela Tupou, Filipo Daugunu and Tom Wright set up the victory with Wales managing a penalty try and nine points from new fly-half Ben Thomas.

Warren Gatland's side suffered their eighth successive international defeat and the latest loss means Wales drop to their lowest position in World Rugby's rankings, slipping to 11th and falling outside the top 10 for the first time.

It was a 14th loss in 20 matches for Gatland in his second stint in charge after returning as head coach at the end of 2022.

It was also a 12th successive defeat against the Wallabies in Australia in an away losing streak that stretches back to 1969.

Number eight Aaron Wainwright was Wales' most impressive performer but limped off in the final minute and there were also injury concerns about Gareth Thomas and Liam Williams.

Gatland will point to a second-half try that was disallowed for obstruction but the tourists offered little in attack and were hampered by a malfunctioning line-out.

Australia will now look to wrap up the two-Test series in Melbourne next Saturday.

More to follow.

Australia: Wright; Kellaway, Flook, Paisami, Daugunu; Lolesio, J Gordon: Slipper, Faessler, Tupou, J Williams, Salakaia-Loto, Wright (capt), McReight, Valetini.

Replacements: Pollard, Kailea, Alaalatoa, Blyth, Cale, McDermott, T Lynagh, Pietsch.

Sin-bin: G Thomas 20

Wales: L Williams; Hathaway, Watkin, Grady, Dyer; B Thomas, Bevan; G Thomas, Lake (capt), Griffin, Tshiunza, D Jenkins, Plumtree, Reffell, Wainwright.

Replacements: E Lloyd, Mathias, H O'Connor, Hill, Botham, Hardy, Costelow, Tompkins.

Sin-bin: McReight 25

Referee: Pierre Brousset (France)

Assistant referees: Ben O'Keeffe (New Zealand), James Doleman (New Zealand)

TMO: Marius Jonker (South Africa).