Australia Third at RWC 2011

Australia bounced back from their defeat against New Zealand with a sound display to knock Wales out of the third place spot and a medal at Rugby World Cup 2011. Australia winning by 21-18. The big surprise for those watching was that the Australian scrum stood up to the Welsh and even at times put them under pressure. The Wallabies have therefore continued their good record at World Cups and will of course be a force yet again in 4 years time when the cup is hosted by England.

Australia Top Performers At International Level

Australia have had an exceptional last 2 decades in international rugby. They've won every available trophy including the Rugby World Cup twice, in 1991 beating England at Twickenham and again in 1999 in Wales. 2003 in Australia saw England gain revenge in the tightest final ever when a drop goal from Jonny Wilkinson at the end of extra time allowed England to take the trophy for the first time, England also denied them in France 2007 winning a close quarter-final 21-10.

Never discount Australia they specialise in late victories. Such as in the 1999 semi-finals, Stephen Larkam getting the match winning drop goal. They then went on to beat France 35-12 in the final in Cardiff, having been through a torrid time in the early 2000's they are maintaining the form that keeps them in the top three IRB rankings.

Phenomenal World Cup Record

In 39 World Cup matches, Australia have only lost 7 games, scoring over 1300 points and conceded less than half that amount.

As quarter-finalists in France 2007, Australia did not have to qualify for their place in the World Cup finals. Currently ranked third in the world, Australia are a strong contender.

S Australia has new shirts for this years Cup. The home shirt has not changed much from previous versions with the amber and green piping. The away is a striking white and amber. The shirt is made by KooGa and features the record of wins in 1991 and 1995 on the right sleeve. To place your order and view other Australian shirts visit the Australia Rugby World Cup Shirts page.

Pool 'C' 2011

Australia face Italy, Ireland, Russia and USA in Pool C. We expect them to top the pool and proceed to the quarter-finals.

Australia News

RWC: Match preview: Wales - Australia - BRONZE MEDAL MATCH - WALES vs AUSTRALIA Eden Park, Auckland, Friday 21st Oct 8:30pm (NZT) Head-to-head: Played 30, Australia 19, Wales 10, Drawn 1 Last meeting: Australia 25 beat Wales 26 at Millennium Stadium, Cardiff, 2010 Last meeting at a World Cup: Australia 32 beat Wales 20 at Millennium Stadium, Cardiff, 2007 Team news: Robbie Deans has included the influential Kurtley Beale for this match, but for many the star fullback comes in a week too late

RWC: Clinical Australia win bronze - Australia won at Eden Park for the first time in twenty-five years to claim the dubious honour of third place with clinical 21-18 victory over a lacklustre Welsh outfit missing a number of key players

RWC: Devastating New Zealand sweep Australia aside - Australia were out-kicked, out-muscled and out-ran by an outstanding New Zealand team as the host nation booked their first final since 1995 but, ominously, their second straight on home soil with a 20-6 victory at Eden Park

RWC: Wallabies send South Africa home in thriller - Australia has sent defending World Cup champions South Africa home after a thrilling 11-9 victory in Wellington on Sunday

RWC: Match preview: Australia - South Africa - QUARTER FINAL 3 - AUSTRALIA vs SOUTH AFRICA Westpac Stadium, Wellington, Sunday 9th Oct 6pm (NZT) Head-to-head: Played 70, South Africa 41, Australia 28, Drawn 1 Last meeting: Australia 14 beat South Africa 9 at Kings Park, Durban, 2011 Last meeting at a World Cup: Australia 27 beat South Africa 21 at Twickenham, London, 1999 Team news: Australia welcome back Pat McCabe, Kurtley Beale, Anthony Fainga'a and Digby Ioane