Wales secure hard-fought win

The reigning RBS 6 Nations champions subdued an Australian side rocked by injured skipper Stirling Mortlock's third-minute departure.

Wales were more adventurous, creative and dynamic than the Wallabies, who could not live with the brilliance of electrifying backs Lee Byrne and Shane Williams.

Full-back Byrne, surely a Lions Test certainty in South Africa next summer, and wing wizard Williams both claimed memorable first-half tries.

Williams, recently-crowned International Rugby Board player of the year, rounded off a breathtaking fourth-minute move, then transfixed Australia's defence by sending Byrne over.

Australia saw their hopes of a first unbeaten European Test match tour since 1996 evaporate but their doggedness meant Wales could never relax, and they were ultimately indebted to fly-half Stephen Jones booting two penalties, a drop-goal and conversion.

Lock Mark Chisholm and wing Digby Ioane scored tries for Australia at either end of the contest, while Matt Giteau kicked eight points, yet Wales were not to be denied.

They dominated a half of each Test match against the Springboks and All Blacks during the past three weeks, but had failed to score a try on each occasion.

But they will now launch their Six Nations title defence against Scotland in February buoyed by a victory they richly deserved.