18 Jun 2012

Last-minute penalty breaks Welsh hearts in Melbourne

1:06 pm on 18 June 2012

The Wallabies have wrapped up their series against Six Nations rugby champions Wales with a 25-23 victory in Melbourne, thanks to former North Harbour player Mike Harris's late penalty.

Wales outscored Australia two tries to one, but 17 points from the boot of Berrick Barnes helped get the Wallabies home, along with the Harris penalty.

Barnes was in doubt for the match after his wife went into labour six weeks early, but he rejoined his team just before kick-off after the birth of his son Archie.

The new father set up a try for his team-mate Rob Horne just before half-time, after Wales had crossed the chalk in the third minute through George North.

Another Welsh try early in the second half saw the vistors take the lead, but a penalty goal to Harris on the stroke of full-time clinched the game for Australia.