Australia 32 Wales 20

THE Wallabies produced a courageous and determined effort to beat Wales in Cardiff - and go a long way to avoid the nightmare prospect of a World Cup quarter-final against the Springboks.

On the downside, the team's injury woes continued. Having lost Mark Gerrard against Japan, then Stephen Larkham on the morning of the Welsh game, Stirling Mortlock was replaced by Scott Staniforth for the second half due to an arm injury sustained in a first-half tackle.

But their gritty approach saw them come out winners by four tries to two before a 71,022 Millennium Stadium crowd awash with Welsh red and Wallaby gold.

Australia were first on the scoresheet, through to a penalty awarded after just 20 seconds, from the first breakdown after Berrick Barnes kicked off deep into the Welsh half.

Mortlock kicked beautifully from 21 metres out and 15m in from the touchline to put the Wallabies 3-0 in front.

But Wales were soon pressuring the Wallabies with their kicking and running game, and eventually forced Australia to concede a penalty. Welsh No.10 Stephen Jones's kick was plum and levelled matters at 3-3 after six minutes.

While Australia got back into Welsh territory without delay, the home side responded with repeated counter-attacks that started to trouble their opponents.

Hooker Stephen Moore incurred the wrath of the home crowd by getting involved in a scuffle after a late hit. And on two occasions soon after, Wales won ball from the Australian lineout.

Then, after 11 minutes, the Wallabies gave away another penalty at the breakdown. Fortunately for them, Jones was off target.

Australian No.6 Rocky Elsom, man of the match against Japan last Saturday, and Wycliff Palu began to build momentum as the first half wore on, the pair linking up beautifully in the midfield - highlighted when Elsom offloaded inside to Palu who in turn fed back outside to Elsom.

Then, in the 15th minute, the Wallabies opened up, Barnes producing an electrifying dash from 35m out that led to Australia's first try.

Barnes's run, swerve, dummy and pass to Giteau was beautiful, and matched for flair only by Giteau's magnificent swan dive over the line and under the posts. Mortlock made no mistake with the conversion.

Australia's attack was on par with their defence, with several crushing tackles hurting the Welsh - in particular captain and full-back Gareth Thomas, who left the field at the 21st minute courtesy of a massive hit by Mortlock.

Only a minute later, Australia drew blood on the scoreboard, this time with Barnes potting a drop goal from 25m out to extend the lead to 13-3.

The Wallabies wanted more, though, and they got it with a second try in the 34th minute. A quick pass at the breakdown from prop Matt Dunning to George Gregan saw the halfback chip into the Welsh 22, where Mortlock chased and collected to charge over the line with two Welsh defenders hanging off him.

Mortlock could not attempt the conversion as he hurt his left arm in the tackle, but, despite Giteau missing, the Wallabies were well in command.

Just before half-time, they went 25-3 in front through fullback Chris Latham, who finished off a move that saw the ball pass through the hands of Lote Tuqiri, Giteau and Drew Mitchell.

Wales fought back early in the second period, with No.8 Jonathan Thomas scoring in the 44th minute to draw them to back into the game.

The Welsh replacement back was soon on the scoresheet again. His penalty after 53 minutes brought Wales to within 12 points.

But the Wallabies had the answer they needed - or full-back Chris Latham did, with his high ball kicked from inside Australia's territory.

As it fell straight through Welsh No.10 Stephen Jones's buttery hands, Latham was right there to grab and run through Hook, who was the last line of the Welsh defence, to score on the hour mark.

Australia were not home yet, especially when they were left with only 14 men after winger Drew Mitchell was yellow-carded for his dangerous tackle on Matthew Rees.

Nathan Sharpe was yellow-carded in the 75th minute when Mitchell still had a minute to go in the sin bin.

Wales capitalised on Australia's lack of numbers and were rewarded with their second try, scored by Shane Williams, which left them 32-20 behind.