Wales 18 - 24 Australia: Williams exits with head held high despite loss

WING wizard Shane Williams bid an emotional, try-scoring farewell to international rugby but could not prevent Wales from suffering a 24-18 defeat to Australia.

Three months short of his 35th birthday, Williams led the team out to an inevitable standing ovation and wore a specially-commissioned shirt with the word “Diolch” – Welsh for thank you – emblazoned across his chest.

The Ospreys star’s last Wales appearance – his 87th – produced a trademark try with his final act in the red shirt to send the 62,000 crowd wild, but Australia had already done enough for victory. Afterwards Williams fought back tears and declared: “I’ve had the best time of my life. I’m sorry we could not win. Australia were the best side. It’s meant everything [to play for Wales],” he said. “Growing up that’s the only thing you want to do. I have been very privileged and lucky to have that chance. Every time I pull on this jersey it’s the best feeling ever. I’m going to miss it.”

Williams’ injury-time score increased his try record for Wales to 58 but second-half tries by scrum-half Will Genia and wing Lachie Turner – in quick succession after Wales full-back Leigh Halfpenny had been sin-binned for tackling James O’Connor without the ball – had been followed by a Berrick Barnes touchdown to put the Wallabies too far ahead. The damage was inflicted during a ruthless 12-minute spell when Australia erased all hope of Wales avenging their World Cup bronze medal match defeat in Auckland just 43 days ago.

O’Connor kicked three conversions and a penalty, while Wales could only muster tries from Williams and Rhys Priestland, two Priestland penalties and a Dan Biggar conversion.

In 16 games against Australia, New Zealand or South Africa since coach Warren Gatland took charge three years ago, Wales have claimed a solitary success. And in 46 Tests during rugby union’s 16-year professional era, the Tri Nations heavyweights have now claimed a combined total of 42 wins against Wales, drawing one and losing just three.

Williams will no longer be part of Gatland’s plans, and even though Wales could not give him the winning send-off the script demanded, he can bow out as a true Welsh rugby legend in the company of yesteryear superstars like Gareth Edwards, Barry John and Gerald Davies.