But the Wallabies were in less conciliatory mood, with coach Rod MacQueen labelling Welsh tactics "boring" and centre Tim Horan criticising conditions at the Millennium Stadium.

Speaking after the match, Henry said: "I am very proud of the guys. I hope the Welsh crowd realise that the boys representing them have given 100% today.

'Flattering' scoreline

"We were hoping for miracles, but the Australians were too quick, too skilful and too streetwise...They were the better side."

Graham Henry: "They were the better side"

Fullback Shane Howarth, who was outstanding for Wales, said "mentally we are not quite there yet".

"You may only get one chance against a side like Australia and you have to take it. We didn't."

He added that the controversial try by Wallaby scrum-half George Gregan had given Australia a "flattering" scoreline.

Welsh captain Rob Howley said his players were "absolutely devastated" by the loss.

"They are very down. At half-time when we were 10-9 behind, we honestly felt this could be the day for Welsh rugby," he said.

"The players have given their all to me and the team management and you could not ask for anything more of them."

He congratulated the Australians, describing them as "an awesome side".

Spoiled by the weather

Wallaby coach Rod MacQueen was less magnanimous towards the opposition, saying that Australia's style of play was stifled by Welsh infringements.

Australia: "The ball was being slowed down"

"Our game revolves around recycling the ball, but that was almost impossible to do under the situation out there," he said.

"The ball was being slowed down, players were allowed to come in from the side and we cannot recycle the ball like that.

"If that is the way the game is going it will be boring for a lot of people and very frustrating for the players.

"You just go back to the set-play kicking style of game which is what we had to do at the start of the second half."

And Australian centre Horan asked why the much-publicised sliding roof at the Millennium Stadium was not used to limit the effects of heavy rain on the match.

The Millennium Stadium: Sliding roof not used

"If you have that then you should use it," he said.

"It's a bit like having a Ferrari in the garage, but then going out to catch a bus.

"The weather spoiled the game when there was a great atmosphere and a great occasion."

He added that the Wallabies would have to make a lot of improvements before the semi-finals.

But Australian skipper John Eales praised his team: "Our defence held up and our composure was great.