Australia finished the World Cup on a high with a bruising 21-18 third place playoff win over Wales at Eden Park here Friday. The Wallabies battled on after losing star backs Quade Cooper and Kurtley Beale with first-half injuries to edge out the Welsh with magnificent defence after both teams scored two tries each.
It was Australia's first win at Eden Park since 1986, but not against their Bledisloe Cup rivals New Zealand, who take on France at their fortress in Sunday's final. Both teams managed a final effort after shattering semi-final defeats last weekend, the Wallabies going down 20-6 to the All Blacks, while the Welsh lost 9-8 to France after playing with 14 men for the last hour.
This victory meant two-time champions Australia won their first bronze at the World Cup after losing 22-21 to Wales in the playoff for third place at the inaugural 1987 tournament in New Zealand. "We came to the tournament to win obviously but we weren't good enough by some distance against New Zealand," said Australia coach Robbie Deans.
"It's not easy, the blokes were pretty disappointed, it (the third place playoff) is not the match of their preference. "But, having said that, it's still an opportunity to represent your country and you saw tonight from both sides the pride they have in that."
Wales, also coached by a New Zealander in Warren Gatland, were without suspended captain Sam Warburton following his sending off against France for a dangerous 'tip-tackle' on Vincent Clerc. But, for the second match in a row, Wales also missed injured fly-half Rhys Priestland with wayward goalkicks, as they had against France, costing them dear.
"I think you've got to be pretty proud of what we've done in this tournament but take nothing away from Australia, they deserved to win," said Gatland. "At this level you've got to kick your goals. We didn't do that and we've come up three points short." Australia's Berrick Barnes, who shifted into the fly-half slot following Cooper's injury in the 22nd minute, delivered a masterly performance and was named man-of-the-match.