Dewi Lake says morale not a problem for Wales despite losing streak

Dewi Lake says that morale is not an issue as Wales strive to end one of the longest losing runs in their international rugby history.

Defeat in Saturday’s Melbourne clash against Australia would make it nine on the bounce, with Wales not having won since beating 2023 World Cup opponents Georgia.

Their record against the Wallabies Down Under is similarly abysmal, having lost 12 successive Tests since claiming a victory in Sydney 55 years ago.

After losing the Sydney opener 25-16, Wales will line up at AAMI Park without influential number eight Aaron Wainwright, who suffered a hamstring injury late in that game.

A reshuffled back-row sees Taine Plumtree switching from blindside flanker to cover Wainwright’s absence, with James Botham handed a start alongside Plumtree and openside Tommy Reffell.

Enforced changes

Wales head coach Warren Gatland has also made an enforced change behind the scrum after an elbow injury sidelined Gloucester wing Josh Hathaway.

Liam Williams moves from full-back to replace him, while Cameron Winnett regains the number 15 shirt for his seventh start in the last eight Tests.

“I don’t think morale is something we have been struggling with,” Wales captain Lake said.

“Obviously, there is huge disappointment at the losses. It is more putting the finishing touches on things, getting our preparation right and tearing into the weekend.

“Ten minutes to go, we were still in the game last week, and that is key for us to stay in these games. We also need to start fast in both halves.

“We are feeling good, feeling confident. Off the back of a loss last week we’ve had a good training week and are ready to go again.

“I think it is massive for us. We are eight losses in a row now and what this group needs is a win just to kick-start that run of form.

“Winning is a habit, so as soon as we get that first one under our belt you never know what is going to happen.”

Disappointment

Reflecting on the first Test loss, Lake added: “There was a lot of disappointment.

“We created a lot of opportunities for ourselves, and we spoke afterwards about taking those opportunities. It is what Test rugby is all about.

“The great thing about these summer tours and Test series is you lose one week, you get a chance to have another crack the following week.

“We will have learnt from last weekend, as I am sure Australia would have done. It is important that we implement the things we learnt.”

Gatland has just a 30 per cent success rate since returning for a second stint as Wales boss, with 14 defeats from 20 Tests.

And there is increasing pressure on the New Zealander as Wales look for an overdue revival in terms of results.

Gatland said: “We decided as a coaching group after the (2023) World Cup what we needed to do in terms of building this team through to the World Cup in 2027.

“We knew there was going to be a bit of pain along the way as we look to develop those players to give them that match experience.

“It is a challenge, but I have been really pleased with the way the boys have responded in training. They have been an excellent group to work with on this tour.”