Second-string Wales end losing streak

Wales’ longest losing streak in seven years is over after an experimental side accounted for Georgia 18-0 in the Autumn Nations Cup yesterday.

After losing six tests in a row since February, coach Wayne Pivac made a planned 13 changes to the starting XV and they paid off a week after the main players were thrashed by Ireland 32-9.

While Georgia were nowhere near the same status as Ireland, Wales have a rocky history of fielding weakened sides against tier two opponents in the past decade, with scrapes against Fiji, Japan and, in 2017, Georgia. But Wales were in no danger as they won comfortably through a solid display in the rain.

“Across the board, we took a step in the right direction,” Pivac said.

A try by 19-year-old wing Louis Rees-Zammit, making his first start in his second test, highlighted the first half. First-five Callum Sheedy, also enjoying a first start in his second test, converted and added two penalties, and venerable replacement Rhys Webb added a late try with a final pass from Rees-Zammit.

Georgia were blanked for a second straight Nations Cup match after losing 40-0 in the wet the previous weekend to England.

The Lelos travel to Dublin next weekend, while Wales host England.

Wales’ morale is still low, and Pivac’s next selection will be noteworthy as to how big he gambles. His core group were manhandled by Ireland, but yesterday, the set piece was strong and reliable. The scrum earned five penalties from the Georgians.

The new caps, flanker James Botham — grandson of England cricketing great Ian Botham — halfback Kieran Hardy, centre Johnny Williams and backline replacement Ioan Lloyd, performed well in trying conditions.