Australia rebounded from its semifinal loss to New Zealand to defeat Wales 21-18 in a frenetic, scrappy third-place playoff Friday in Auckland, N.Z.

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. They adopted 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 ... but it was a good effort by the boys," Australia captain James Horwill said.