We have makings of a good team – Gatland

Gatland said: “We worked so hard for our points, and we’re probably showing a bit of inexperience just in terms of how we gifted them points. That was disappointing, they didn’t have to work hard for a lot of points.

“We kept trying, had a chance to win the game. We have to learn from these experiences and be more accurate in these moments at this level.

“I know how young the group is in terms of caps, but this is going to be a really good team.”

Wales captain Dewi Lake added: “Losing is always a bitter pill to swallow, especially when you put such hard work in to get back in the game. Unfortunately, we did that to ourselves, going too far down and giving ourselves a mountain to climb. Credit to the boys, we dug deep and have that never-say-die attitude, but it feels like the same message again. We have to take our opportunities.”

Former skipper Sam Warburton was impressed with Lake’s two-try performance and says he is on the path to being a world-class hooker.

Warburton said: “He’s close to being a world-class hooker now. You can see how dynamic he is. His carrying ability, the aggression that he brings off the line, his leadership, his resilience, his mental resolve, he’s brilliant.”

Warburton says there are reasons to be optimistic despite defeat.

“I’m actually happy,” he added. “Some people might be thinking you’ve lost three games in a row but we know Wales aren’t in a position to realistically come and put Australia to the sword twice.

“We want to see growth in combinations, in young players. There was a lot more positives from Wales. Their attack was so much better this week. International rugby is all about resilience, and I saw that from the young players today.”