Cheika's team endured a similarly dismal run in the 2018 autumn internationals, losing 9-6 to Wales (their first win over Australia since 2008) before salvaging a consolation 26-7 victory against Italy. The Wallabies ended 2018 with a sixth consecutive defeat to England, going down 37-18. The team's win-loss record, having won only four out of thirteen test matches, was their worst since 1958. A review of the team's performance was conducted by the administration of Rugby Australia, with the board electing to back Cheika through to the 2019 World Cup. The decision was widely derided in the Australian sporting press, with speculation rife that the administration were unable to afford to terminate Cheika's contract.