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 test at the Millennium Stadium on Saturday.
The Wallabies produced a strong second-half showing to again defeat Warren Gatland’s side, six weeks after their 21-18 victory in their World Cup third-place playoff in October.
Williams, his country’s all-time record try scorer, took his tally to 58 with a last-gasp touchdown on his 87th and final appearance but it was an otherwise disjointed display from the hosts.
Wales led 6-3 at the break but the game quickly changed after fullback Leigh Halfpenny was sin-binned nine minutes after the restart.
Australia took the game by the scruff of the neck as Will Genia, Lachie Turner and Berrick Barnes crossed for quick scores to subdue a home crowd hoping to give Williams a winning send off.
Rhys Priestland crossed for a first Welsh try but the Wallabies, who thrashed the Barbarians 60-11 at Twickenham last week, held firm until Williams, one of the most exciting wingers of his generation, raised the roof when he burst through in the final seconds.
“It’s been a tough week,” Williams, unable to stem the flood of tears, said in a pitchside interview.
“It’s been a privilege to have had the chance to play for Wales,” added the 34-year-old after he brought an end to his 11-year test career.
“I’ve had the time of my life. I’m going to miss it, it’s been a great journey. I’ve enjoyed every minute of it… the ups and downs.”
Aside from his late score, Williams had an otherwise quiet game, apart from making a try-saving tackle late in the first half to deny Turner.
The game only came to life in the second 40 minutes.
Wales were reduced to 14 men when Halfpenny was sin-binned for tackling James O’Connor, just as the flyhalf was about to gather Barnes’ astute kick through with the try line at his mercy.
Australia quickly took advantage of their numerical supremacy. Opting to retain possession rather than kick a simple penalty, the Wallabies recycled the ball and after working through several phases, scrumhalf Genia stretched an arm out to touch down.
O’Connor converted but then hit the post from a penalty right in front. The letoff for Wales was shortlived, however, as a swift backline move allowed Turner the space to go over in the left corner which was converted by O’Connor for a 17-6 lead.
With Wales in disarray, Barnes was afforded time and space to coast over for a third try before Wales at last gave the home fans something to cheer with 11 minutes left when Priestland breached the Wallabies’ defences.
Any hopes of the hosts mounting a late fightback were quashed by some subsequent poor handling and Williams’ late try provided the emotional farewell that a 60,000-strong crowd had come to see.
