Dragons RFC ace Aaron Wainwright played his 50th game as Wales lost out 25-16 to Australia in Sydney to give new Wallabies coach Joe Schmidt an opening victory in his first match in charge.
Tries from Taniela Tupou, Filipo Daugunu and Tom Wright set up the victory with Wales managing a penalty try and nine points from new fly-half Ben Thomas.
Number eight Wainwright was Wales' most impressive performer and was joined by club team-mate Rio Dyer in the starting line-up.
The two teams will do it all over again in Melbourne next weekend
