KEY POINTS:
If last week's test was the match from hell with a heavenly finish - well, for the Wallabies, anyway - this was a tiny little bit more deserving of the Welsh anthem, Bread of Heaven, except for the fact that Wales were still toast.
Australia snatched last week's
test in the dying seconds from a brave Welsh selection in a match remarkable only for its lack of accuracy, efficiency and... oh, yes... skill.
Last night, both sides tidied up their act somewhat and matters more closely resembled a rugby test than last week's effort - which was more like a top-loader washing machine with the top left open and too much detergent applied. All noise and suds but no sparkle.
The Welsh drove well, played the one-out stuff well and gave the Australians a bit to think about - without actually theatening to score any points.
Instead, skipper Stirling Mortlock knocked over a couple of penalties in the first half hour when the Wallabies soaked up the Welsh pressure and then skittered down the other end to get the benefit of the referee's whistle.
Better selections by the Australians - lock Dan Vickerman, flanker George Smith and the return from injury of Stephen Larkham - gave the side a more settled look although coach John 'always look on the bright side of life' Connolly will be worried about shonky lineout throwing from hooker Stephen Moore - he was dragged at halftime - and the Wallabies' ability to turn promising attacks from the backline into turnover ball for the Welsh.
The Welsh spoiled and frustrated but had little in their own armoury - though it was enough to put this flawed Wallaby side off its stroke in the first half. No 8 Wycliff Palu did some decent bashing and crashing and busted through a few times but the Welsh defence was as stubborn as a curry stain on your tablecloth.
And this test was about as appealing until Palu burst through yet again and Nathan Sharpe and Julian Huxley put winger Digby Ioane away for the first touchdown.
That - and the arrival of George Gregan at halfback to take over from Matt Giteau - gave the Australians some focus and belief. The only reason that the Australians can even countenance Giteau at halfback (when he should be in the midfield) is that he is such a world-class player that he'd probably make a good fist of tighthead prop as well.
But Gregan is still the best at directing the Australian efforts and passes started to snap and offloads started to sap the strength of the Welsh defence.
Sharpe became more prominent around the field as the Australians got on top and he was again involved with Drew Mitchell's try as the winger outpaced the Welsh flanks.
Gregan then put Huxley through a gap and the lanky fullback pulled off a good kick-and-regather try.
The Wallabies were looking far more like a world-ranked rugby team. At 31-0, with 15 minutes to go, the Welsh were looking at the clock and wondering where they might be able to get a pint of Brains Dark.
Palu was the player of the match, breaking the Welsh with his running. But the lesson of the match was that you can't beat an old head like Gregan when it comes to restoring order and finding rhythm.
The Welsh - halfback Mike Phillips aside - looked like what they were: another under-strength international selection. More crumbs than Bread of Heaven.
Australia 31 (D. Ioane, D. Mitchell, J. Huxley tries; S. Mortlock 2 con, 4 pens), Wales 0. Halftime 6-0
