Gutsy Wallabies Overcome Welsh To Take Rugby World Cup Bronze Medal Post by: Madame H 21 October, 2011 - 10:04 PM

(Photo: Getty Images)

Finally. It's been seven weeks in the making but finally the Wallabies showed moments of flair to topple the feisty Welsh and take home some international 'silverware'.

With two tries a piece, it came down to superior goal kicking and a great partnership from Cooper and Barnes for the Wallabies to win 21-18. The scoreline would have looked a lot different had the referee seen the forward pass to Shane Williams in the 49th minute moments before he dived over for Wales' first try.

However, the stats show work still has to be done with the championship's youngest team putting in nearly twice as many tackles as their opponents.

And just when you thought Quade Cooper was about to open up, injury robs the Kiwi crowd of their sparring partner. The 23 year-old was in the middle of one of his trademark moves when his knee appeared to give way.

The pain on his face suggests it's anything other than ok with early reports indicating he's ruptured his anterior cruciate ligament meaning weeks on the sidelines.

(Photo: Getty Images)

The 55,000 strong crowd gave him a standing ovation as he left the field. Possibly not something anyone was betting on at this world cup.

Despite the colour of the medal not being one Robbie Deans would like to return home with, the young team surely can only improve on their placing at the 2015 World Cup in England.

Nathan Sharpe's son plays with his dad's medal at Eden Park (Photo: Getty Images)

Who was your Wallabies player of tournament?

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