Rugby: Australia defeated Wales 21-18 in a frenetic but mostly scrappy third place playoff at Eden Park.

Although it was little consolation to the Wallabies after missing out on Sunday's final, they did show some occasional glimpses of the form that saw them win this year's Tri-Nations title by adopting a more adventurous style to ensure they would be seeded third for the next World Cup in 2015.

"We knew Wales would make us work," Australia captain James Horwill said.

"We got off to a good start but they made us work defence... but it was a good effort by the boys.

"Losing Quade and Kurtley wasn't ideal but the boys adapted really well."

Wales scored two second half tries, the first by wing Shane Williams then the second by fullback Leigh Halfpenny after time had run out, but they were only consolations in a match that no team ever really wants to play in.

"(I am) proud with how we finished but we just came up short again," Welsh captain Gethin Jenkins said.

"To get to the semi-finals was obviously a great achievement for this group of players. To come fourth is not as good as third, but it is a lot better than we have managed in previous World Cups."

Unlike when the teams met in the playoff at the inaugural World Cup 24 years ago, the Australians at least this time showed a willingness to embrace a match that the International Rugby Board has re-branded as the Bronze Final as part of their successful push to have Sevens rugby included in the Olympics.

In 1987, the Australians made no secret of their disdain of contesting a playoff after losing to France in the semi-finals, when they picked a weakened team and then left the Maori wood carving they were awarded in the dressing room.

Erratic goal kicking cost Wales dear again. James Hook missed a penalty against South Africa which the Welsh believed had gone through the posts and another more difficult attempt later in the match.

In the French game Stephen Jones hit the left upright attempting to convert the only try of the match. Against Australia Hook pushed a simple penalty early in the second half to the left of the posts.

"At this level you have to take your opportunities," said Welsh coach Warren Gatland. "Unfortunately on these big occasions our goal kicking has let us down.

"If we look at the past those kickers who have been taking goals have been in the 80s (percent). James missed one almost in front of the posts.

"It's pretty important in the scheme of things and it's probably what cost us."