Wales 20 Australia 32

AUSTRALIA'S successful negotiation of Wales, which has ensured an easy path to the World Cup semi-finals, excited the vast green and gold brigade so much it prompted one fan to become one of the boys.

After the Wallabies' comprehensive defeat of the Welsh at Millennium Stadium early yesterday, the players did a lap of the ground to thank the thousands of Australian fans who had trekked to Cardiff to give them such rousing support. Red was the dominant colour, but there was a broad swathe of green and gold in the grandstands - from which one enthusiast emerged and hopped the fence.

This Australian supporter was decked out in full Wallabies kit, including the No.6 jersey, gold head gear, footy in hand and even the bicycle pants under his shorts. So well disguised was he that he had nearly completed a full circuit, waving to Australian fans - who were wondering why Rocky Elsom had suddenly developed a paunch - before he was pounced on by security guards.

One can understand the supporter's delight. There is nothing better than getting accolades from appreciative fans after an important win.

While the intruder was bundled away, the Wallabies stretched out the lap of honour, wanting to enjoy the moment for as long as possible. But besides jubilation, there was also a fair amount of relief apparent on their faces.

Had they lost, their World Cup campaign would have turned into a quicksand pit, as it would have virtually guaranteed a quarter-final meeting with South Africa. Victory, though, has all but assured them of finishing on top of their group, and, after that, an easier quarter-final against an appalling England - or maybe even Samoa. A semi-final against New Zealand now appears likely, should the Wallabies progress.

But, more importantly, they way the Welsh were dismantled gives Wallabies followers some hope that they can again destabilise the All Blacks in Marseilles next month.

Australia succeeded in taking so many difficult moments in their stride. The injured Stephen Larkham was adequately covered by his young replacement, Berrick Barnes, who had a brilliant game. When they were reduced to 13 men after Drew Mitchell and Nathan Sharpe were both sin-binned late in the second half, the remaining Wallabies restricted the damage.

Also, the back line coped well in the second half in the absence of centre Stirling Mortlock, who, with Barnes, was probably Australia's stand-out performer in the opening period.

It helped that Australia got off to a great start. Before the game, the Wallabies kept talking about the intimidation factor at the Millennium Stadium. They knew they had to quieten the crowd by dominating the first half-hour.

They did exactly that, leading 18-3 just before the break. As expected, however, the home team rallied and began to gain some momentum - but two magic Chris Latham moments ended that rush.

Just on half-time, Mitchell made a big run before throwing the inside pass to Latham, who burrowed over to score and make it 25-3 at half-time.

Midway through the second half, with the Wallabies reeling after Wales had scored 10 unanswered points, Latham decided on a little solo magic to finish off the home team.

Stephen Jones, the Welsh five-eighth, fumbled a high bomb from Latham in the midfield and the fullback pounced with a sensational half-volley pick-up before sprinting to the tryline. So ended the Welsh fightback.

The final scoreline may have flattered Wales, but the Wallabies were just relieved - especially as the victory involved a bonus point as well as ending a run of poor results in Cardiff.

Again, the big names performed well. The attacking players were the stand-outs, with Mortlock, Latham, Matt Giteau, Barnes and George Gregan all having their moments, while the forwards kept up the pressure - in particular No.8 Wycliff Palu and breakaway George Smith. The scrum was a bit of a mess, with New Zealand referee Steve Walsh penalising the Australian front row several times, but it held up when required. It was certainly better than the pack's miserable effort in Cardiff two years ago.

Overall, it was one of those performances that will have the effect of reminding people that the Wallabies are here to do business. They have been forgotten somewhat during this World Cup, with all the focus on how good the Springboks and All Blacks are, and how hopeless France and England have become.

After this victory, which shows the Wallabies are building momentum at the right time, everyone knows they are developing into genuine contenders.