The Australian fly-half’s score meant the Wallabies turned the tables for a 12-14 win in what was captain Nathan Sharpe’s last ever game.
Wales had led 12-9 with just minutes remaining but the Australian fly-half found space down the right and galloped in despite a last ditch tackle from Alex Cuthbert.
The try left the Millennium Stadium deflated after a positive Welsh showing. Nonetheless, Beale’s score means Wales have now lost their last seven games both home and away.
In a tight encounter, the game fell down to a shootout between the two side’s kickers.
Wales went into half time 9-6 down, Beale slotting three penalties to Leigh Halfpenny’s two.
Two further kicks from the Cardiff Blues full back sent the Millennium Stadium wild but with just minutes remaining Beale broke Welsh hearts.
From the first whistle, Australia were on the front foot, dominating territory and possession in early exchanges which were dominated by the boot.
As if that wasn’t bad enough, Wales’ stock of second rows then looked to be depleted further when Luke Charteris went down after a clash with Australian flanker Scott Higginbotham. The Perpignan lock got his head the wrong side of the Rebels forward and went down looking visibly dazed before, thankfully for Warren Gatland, later returning to the field.
In the meantime, Beale, kicking in place of Berrick Barnes who was struggling with a sore groin, missed the chance to give his side the lead with an penalty. Despite the miss, the Australian’s attacking threat was soon in evidence. Adam Ashley-Cooper’s strength was too much for the combined efforts of Rhys Priestland and Jamie Roberts. In plenty of space, Ashely-Cooper found wing Drew Mitchell outside him but fortunately for Wales, Wayne Barnes ruled the pass forward.
Struggling to get out of their half, Wales were forced to change tactics. From a scrum on their own line, they showed the kind of flair which has made them so good to watch over the last year. Priestland sent the ball right where Cuthbert found space. The Cardiff Blues man raced clear, making it into the Australia half before being brought down by Barnes.
The move seemed to inspire Wales and Halfpenny and Beale traded penalties as the home side grew into the game.
Wales then went into the lead when after a good carry from lock Lou Reed, the returning David Pocock was penalised.
The metronomic Halfpenny made no mistake with a simple chance as his side went 6-3 up.
If Wales had struggled in attack so far this autumn, they were beginning to look more like their old selves with Halfpenny once again the inspiration. Wales elected to run the ball from a set piece inside their half. Receiving the ball from Jonathan Davies, Halfpenny found space, kicked ahead but saw the ball grounded by Australia No. 8 Wycliff Palu, a decision only reached after the decision was sent to the TMO.
Wales were playing all the rugby but were on the wrong side of Barnes’ whistle on a number of occasions. And whenever Australia got anywhere near the Wales half, they seemed to come away with points. Beale added two further penalties and missed a long range effort as his side went in to the interval 9-6 up.
If the opening 40 minutes had seen Wales find their attacking feet, the start of the second period was a scrappy affair.
Charteris failed to reappear after half time and was replaced by Ryan Jones but neither team managed to gain the upper hand.
And it took until the 55th minute for a further score. Australia were penalised at a scrum inside their half giving Halfpenny the chance to level things up.
He accepted and added a fourth penalty on the hour as Wales went into the final quarter ahead.
But with just minutes remaining, Beale won the game for the Australians.Â
If the score was not enough to deflate the 58,114 crowd, Wales’ talisman Halfpenny was stretchered off after suffering an injury in the build-up to Beale’s try, completing what has been a hugely disappointing autumn for Wales.
