Wallabies head coach Les Kiss has said “every Test match is must win” as Australia prepare to face Wales after a 15–12 defeat to Scotland at Murrayfield.
Kiss was speaking at his post-match press conference, filmed by Scotland Rugby News. The loss followed a 45–22 defeat to England at Twickenham and was Australia‘s fourth in a row.
Wales, who beat New Zealand 35–28 in Cardiff on Saturday, host the Wallabies at the Principality Stadium on Saturday 21 November.
READ MORE: Les Kiss admits ‘turgid’ Scotland loss is one Wallabies must ‘take on the chin’
‘We need to win’
Asked whether Wales was now a must-win match, Kiss did not hedge.
“Every Test match is must win… We need to win,” Kiss said.
“We’re disappointed tonight ’cause we didn’t win and I know this group, we’re going to do everything in our power to make sure we can.”
‘In our backyard’
Kiss was also asked whether he has enough time to build a side for the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia.
“Well, it’s the time we have and I’ve said that from the beginning, that we’re happy with that time that we’ve got now,” he said.
“…So, just keep building on the things that we are trying to get better at. I do think there’s every chance that there will be improvement, in a way that we know we can be very competitive and go to that World Cup with some confidence. It’s in our backyard.
“It’s down the track, but, you know, we’re at Wales first, in their backyard… But yes, I feel we can do something in that time for sure.”
‘You want to win Test matches’
Kiss saw progress against Scotland, but said it did not change the result.
“The boys put in a big effort, but it’s disappointing. You want to win Test matches and we lost that one.”
Captain Harry Wilson gave the same message.
“We’re going to keep working hard. We’re going to keep trying to improve and be a better team. And I think tonight’s a step in the right direction,” Wilson said.
“…So, keep getting behind us and I hope we take another step forward next week.”
Australia made 10 line breaks to Scotland’s one at Murrayfield, according to the official match data, but scored only two tries and left with a losing bonus point.
READ MORE: Wallabies player ratings vs Scotland: McReight’s 31 tackles not enough
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