Ball bouncing despite Wales loss

JAKE Ball has highighted a “new vibe” in the Wales squad for this season’s autumn Tests.

Although Wales failed to halt a long run of defeats against Australia - Saturday’s 29-21 loss was their 13th successive reversal in the fixture - they did not lack attacking ambition or a creative spark.

More than a quarter of the match-day 23 either made their home Test match debuts or won first caps, leaving lock Ball enthused for challenges in their remaining appointments with Georgia, New Zealand and South Africa.

“We have got an exciting squad, and they are encouraging those guys to play with confidence,” Ball said.

“There has been freshness among the squad. New guys bring different things. It has brought a new vibe to the squad, which has been great.”

Wales were ultimately undone by three first-half tries and poor defensive exit strategies, yet the second period proved in stark contrast as they outscored the Wallabies and a grandstand finish beckoned until visiting fullback Kurtley Beale claimed a contentious breakaway try.