Wales begin double-header against Australia in Sydney desperate for a win of any kind... Warren Gatland's men have lost seven in a row but they have a great chance to break that streak

When a young Wales team takes to the field in Sydney on Saturday morning, any sort of win will do.

Warren Gatland’s side – one now dominated by inexperienced players at international level with a smattering of Test knowhow – has, unfortunately, become used to losing in 2024.

Wales have tasted defeat in each of their last seven matches, their last win coming against Georgia in October 2023 at that year’s World Cup. Since that game with the Lelos, Wales have been knocked out of the World Cup by Argentina, lost all five of their 2024 Six Nations games to finish rock bottom, and been beaten by double global champions South Africa.

Breaking that desperate streak is vital for Wales this summer.

In 2018 and 2019 – a period in which Wales won a Six Nations Grand Slam and briefly rose to No 1 in the World Rugby rankings – head coach Gatland rightly pointed out his team had almost forgotten how to lose such was their self-belief. At that time, Wales simply refused to be beaten.

Now, wins are proving more than hard to come by. There are a whole host of reasons as to why – and they include significant issues both on and off the field in Welsh rugby – but the bottom line is Gatland’s men have to put them to one side and deliver.

The reality is that for all their recent struggles, Wales have a great chance to beat Australia in the next fortnight. Doing so would do wonders for the confidence of Gatland’s rookies.

It must not be forgotten no Wales side has won in Australia since 1969.

Breaking 55 years of hurt in the southern hemisphere would be a more than decent way for Wales to break their 2024 duck. Are they capable of doing so? Absolutely.

Were Gatland’s side taking on New Zealand or South Africa this summer, then you’d have to say they would stand no chance. But like Wales, Australia are rebuilding from the bottom up.

‘I don't know a lot about the Australian team,’ Gatland admitted in Sydney this week.

‘I probably know more about the coaches than the players. We're both on the same journey, with a younger group of players that are building towards the next couple of years.

‘We haven't had a brilliant record in Sydney. Australia don't have a great record in Sydney as well and the bookies have them as favourites which is brilliant. We've got a couple of new caps.

‘They've got a couple of new caps starting and on the bench.’

Australia’s side for Sydney and their first game under Joe Schmidt’s guidance is certainly unfamiliar.

Wales’ team is more-than-interesting too.

In the matchday 23, only full-back Liam Williams (90 caps) and No 8 Aaron Wainwright (49) have more than 40 Test appearances. Rookie halfbacks Ellis Bevan and Ben Thomas have just three Tests between them and the latter is more accustomed to playing inside centre than fly-half.

Thomas will also kick goals for Wales in another role that is unusual for him.

Archie Griffin wins only his second cap and first start at tighthead prop. Josh Hathaway, 20, makes an international bow on the wing after impressing for Gloucester this season.

Australian sides aren’t known for forward power, but they will surely look to target Wales at the scrum and up front. Their props James Slipper and Taniela Tupou are very experienced. Their opposite numbers in the Welsh pack Gareth Thomas and Griffin will be tested to the full. Wales hammered Australia 40-6 at the last World Cup when the two sides last met.

But so much has changed since then. Wales have lost the world-class pillars of their side which were their cornerstone for so long.

Like Wales, Australia’s domestic game is in disarray and beset by financial problems. But in Schmidt, they have the canniest of coaches who is their man at the helm after he succeeded Eddie Jones. Australia are rightly favourites given home advantage, but these look two even teams.

In truth, a prediction is hard to make. Wales must stay in the contest in the first quarter and then prey on home nerves the longer the game goes on.

An away win would undoubtedly be hugely significant.

‘Whatever Australian team we play, the respect I have as a Kiwi for Australia and their success means they will be difficult,’ said Gatland.

‘They'll come to the match on Saturday with a lot of confidence and self-belief.

‘That's one of their strengths as a nation.’