Australia 20-19 Wales, Sydney, June 23
Lydiate rues another one that got away
June 23, 2012
Wales' Leigh Halfpenny reflects on another narrow defeat, Australia v Wales, Allianz Stadium, Sydney, Australia, June 23, 2012
Wales' Leigh Halfpenny reflects on another narrow defeat at the hands of the Wallabies © PA Photos
Enlarge
Related Links
Tournaments/Tours: Wales tour
Teams: Australia | Wales

Wales flanker Dan Lydiate admitted a string of unforced errors proved very costly following his side's latest narrow defeat at the hands of Australia.

The Wallabies wrapped up a 3-0 series whitewash with a 20-19 victory in their clash at the Allianz Stadium in Sydney with fly-half Berrick Barnes setting the seal on the win with his fifth penalty six minutes from time. A gutsy Wales were left to rue a high penalty count and their search for an historic first win over the Wallabies in Australia since 1969 continues.

"We had our chances but fair play to Australia. They had chances and took them well. They kicked their points," Lydiate told Sky Sports 1. "I can't really talk at the minute, I am just absolutely gutted."

The narrow defeat comes after Wales conceded a last-gasp penalty to lose 25-23 last week. "We're getting closer but it was our last chance today but it wasn't good enough," Lydiate said. "Too many errors on our part but credit to the Aussies, they're a good team. These games are won and lost by one or two points but we'll get there and we'll look forward to the autumn series at back at our place."

Australia captain David Pocock was delighted to see his side register a hat-trick of victories having slipped to a shock defeat in their season opener against Scotland, but admitted there was little between the sides. "After two games both teams had probably done their homework and knew what was coming," the flanker said. "They put a lot of pressure on us at times but there weren't a lot of holes in defence.

"We knew in the last 10 minutes we had to get field position and hold onto the ball down there and we managed to do that. I am really proud of the way the guys finished the game but it probably wasn't the performance we were after. It's good for the team the way we bounced back from Scotland but we know how much work we have to do."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.

Live Sports

Communication error please reload the page.