Wallabies claim bronze

Australia have secured third place in the Rugby World Cup with a 21-18 win over Wales in the Bronze Final last night.

The win marks the Wallabies first on Eden Park since 1986 and ends their disappointing World Cup campaign on a high.

Each side ran in two tries, but it was an assured kicking performance from Australia that secured the win in the error ridden match.

Wales, who were missing their captain Sam Warburton through suspension, looked a shadow of the side that excited New Zealand crowds throughout the tournament and produced 10 handling errors in a tired looking effort.

Meanwhile the Wallabies had to deal with adversity early in the match with star backs Kurtley Beale and Quade Cooper limping off injured in the first half.

Cooper finally received a standing ovation at the Rugby World Cup last night but, sadly for him, it was sympathetic applause that rang out as he limped off the pitch injured.

The immediate fear was the first five eighth had badly damaged his knee which would leave him sidelined for up to six months and he was already on crutches.

Playmaker Berrick Barnes produced an outstanding performance filling in for Cooper, winning man of the match and will leave many asking why he wasn’t used more during the tournament.


Story by: Dhanjay Deo