Wales beat Australia in thriller

CARDIFF - Wales rediscovered their Six Nations-winning form in a pulsating 24-22 victory over Australia on Saturday.

Australia led 7-6 at halftime after centre Lote Tuqiri eased through the Welsh defence for the only try of the first period.

Lock Nathan Sharpe put Australia eight points clear early in the second half when Wales were caught in possession deep in their own half.

Finally Wales turned their possession into points.They scored two tries in quick succession, the first a penalty try after Australia's scrum collapsed once too often.

Fullback Gareth Thomas and wing Shane Williams then combined for a glorious score which started in the Welsh 22, with Williams finishing in style.

Stephen Jones' boot put Wales seven points clear with seven minutes left before Tuqiri broke through their defence and kicked through for fullback Chris Latham to touch down. Mat Rogers crucially missed the conversion.

Wales - Tries: penalty try, S.Williams; Con: S.Jones; Pen: S.Jones (4)

Australia - Tries: Tuqiri, Sharpe, Latham; Con: Rogers (2); Pen: Rogers

- REUTERS