WALES HAVE GEORGIA ON THEIR MIND

WALES insist their attacking game can only get better after this defeat.

A 13th straight loss to the Wallabies in Cardiff was a familiar result, but the home side’s potent backline threat did offer hope.

“We are trying to have that bit of X-Factor, but I think at times there is a need to keep the ball in hand and go through the phases,” said lock Jake Ball.

“When we did that we achieved some good things, so I think it is a starting point. I don’t think there was a big difference between the teams, but there were some errors in our 22 that probably cost us the game.

“We have been together two weeks now, but I think there is a lot to be excited about.”

Steffan Evans and Hallam Amos crossed for Wales, with Warren Gatland’s selection of Owen Williams as a playmaking centre paying off in attack.

The Gloucester ace, Evans and scrum-half Gareth Davies were all excellent with ball in hand.

But in defence, Wales have work to do. They leaked four soft tries as scores from Tatafu Polota-Nau, Adam Coleman, Michael Hooper and Kurtley Beale gave Australia victory.

Wales face Georgia on Saturday and then New Zealand and South Africa in the next three weeks, but they are fretting over an injury to key centre Jonathan Davies.

The midfielder’s ankle problem – an injury suffered late on at Principality Stadium – means he will almost certainly miss Georgia.

“We have got an exciting squad and we are encouraged to play with confidence,” said Ball (above).

“It has brought a new vibe which has been great. Georgia are a physical team, but we’ll get excited about that.”

Gatland is set to make wholesale changes, but prop Rob Evans, who was back in action against the Aussies after concussion problems, is one man looking to hold on to his spot.

“It was pretty bad but I was looked after really well and I feel great now,” he said.