4 Dec 2011

Australia beat Wales but Williams scores on his way out

8:27 am on 4 December 2011

Wales winger Shane Williams scored with his final touch in international rugby but he bowed out on a losing note after Australia overcame a sluggish start to win 24-18 in a one-off rugby Test at Cardiff's Millennium Stadium.

In a replay of the bronze final at the recent World Cup in New Zealand, the game was a tight affair with all penalties in the first half, Wales leading 6-3 at half-time.

But three converted tries to Australia's Will Genia, Lachie Turner and Berrick Barnes to two to the home side's Rhys Priestland and Williams' late consolation saw the Wallabies home.

Williams, his country's all-time record try scorer, took his tally to 58 with the last-gasp touchdown on his 87th and final appearance.