Their greater power told in a ruthless first half, Stirling Mortlock, Matt Giteau and Chris Latham scoring tries.

Gareth Thomas and Sonny Parker had been taken off following heavy tackles, but Wales fought back from their 25-3 half-time deficit with a Jon Thomas try. But hopes of a recovery were ended by Latham's second try from a garryowen, Shane Williams scoring a consolation. The result means that the Wallabies are likely to face a quarter-final in Marseille against either Samoa or England. If Wales can secure second spot in the group, they will expect to meet South Africa.

WALES G Thomas; M Jones, T Shanklin, S Parker, S Williams; S Jones, D Peel; G Jenkins, M Rees, A Jones, I Gough, A-W Jones, C Charvis, M Williams, J Thomas Subs K Morgan for Parker, 18 mins; J Hook for G Thomas, 22 mins; M Owen, R Thomas and D Jones for Gough, Rees and A Jones, 66 mins;

M Phillips for Peel, 70 mins AUSTRALIA C Latham; D Mitchell, S Mortlock, M Giteau, L Tuqiri; B Barnes, G Gregan; M Dunning, S Moore, G Shepherdson, N Sharpe, D Vickerman, R Elsom, G Smith, W Palu Subs S Staniforth for Mortlock, 41 mins;

P Waugh for Smith, 64 mins; S Hoiles for Palu, 66 mins; A Freier for Moore, 68 mins; A Baxter for Shepherdson, mins 73; M Chisholm for Elsom, 76 mins; J Huxley for Barnes, 78 mins;

Sin Bin Mitchell 66-76 mins, Sharpe 75-80 mins Referee S Walsh (New Zealand)