Wales were just 30 seconds away from picking up their first win on Australian soil since 1969 but a rolling maul was brought down to give Harris the chance to clinch the series for Australia. With the hooter having already sounded, Harris booted over the penalty to crush Welsh hopes of a famous victory.
In a pulsating encounter, the lead changes hands on numerous occasions as Berrick Barnes and Leigh Halfpenny fought out a personal duel with their boots. The Aussie sharp shooter ended with 17 points while Halfpenny responded with three penalties and two conversions as the two sides hammered away at each other but ultimately Australia used their get out of jail card to snatch victory at the death.
Wales had earlier burst out of the blocks from the outset, reclaiming Rhys Priestland’s kick-off. The forwards clung to the ball to surge downfield. The forwards peppered the Wallaby try-line but robust defence held them at bay.
Wales were intent on starting better than last week in Brisbane and they got their wish when powerhouse winger George North charged over from close range in the fourth minute. Halfpenny’s conversion gave Wales and early 0-7 lead.
Barnes chipped back three points then added another before he figured prominently just before the break to put Australia in front at the interval.
Wales had managed to keep the opposition at bay with stern defence but they fell asleep in the 39th minute when the Aussie fly half went on the outside of Sam Warburton with a show and go, before putting centre Rob Horne clear who scored a well taken try.
Wales re-grouped after the break with Jonathan Davies following up a hack through by Ashley Beck. The big Scarlets centre outpaced Rob Simmons to the ball to put Wales off to a flier again, Halfpenny’s conversion put Wales back in front.
The Wallabies got their noses back in front with another Barnes success but that was immediately cancelled out by Halfpenny banging over another shot at goal.
The game continued to twist and turn but then Wales were offered a glimmer of hope when Australian winger Cooper Vuna made a clumsy tackle on Halfpenny to receive a yellow card. The full back dusted himself down to put Wales back in front 19-20.
Again the home side hit back after Wales were penalised for flopping over the top. Barnes knocked over the penalty to edge Australia 22-20 ahead.
With time running out, the unflappable Halfpenny rifled over another penalty to put Wales on the precipice of a famous victory but it was not to be as Harris stepped out of Barnes’ shadow to hammer home the final nail into Wales’ coffin.
Scorers: Australia: Try: Horne; Cons: Barnes; Pens: Barnes (5), Harris.
Wales: Tries: North, Davies; Cons: Halfpenny (2); Pen: Halfpenny (3)
