Sullivan calls for action

Anthony Sullivan tells BBC Sport Online that Wales must not waste the chance to build on their superb World Cup semi-final showing.

I think we made a lot of people eat humble pie with that performance against Australia.

We weren't given a prayer before the semi-final but it is true to say we gave the world champions a bit of a scare.

Maybe they were guilty of underestimating us but we took full advantage and I'm sure a few harsh words were said in their dressing room at half-time.

We were confident we could put in a good display.

Good spirits

We prepared reasonably well for the game and everyone was in good spirits.

Most importantly we showed no fear.

We learned a lot from the New Zealand game. We showed them far too much respect and got punished for it.

It is important to take the big sides on. That is what we did against Australia.

We deserved to be 22-8 up. We took the chances that came our way and defended well.

Completion rate

Our completion rate in the first half was outstanding. I think we only turned the ball over once.

But we couldn't hold on and, believe it or not, we are disappointed.

We are pleased with the way we acquitted ourselves but we could have got more out of the game. We could have won

  Anthony Sullivan

We are pleased with the way we acquitted ourselves but we could have got more out of the game. We could have won.

We were unlucky with the decisions. I thought we were penalised out of the game in the second half.

But all credit to Australia to the way they came back. They are a great side.

Final clash

Now they have the final to look forward to - and a clash with New Zealand.

As for Wales, we now find ourselves in the same position we were in after the last World Cup.

We have a golden opportunity to develop the game in our part of the world and now is the time to act.

We need some sort of structure to bring the young players through. We are struggling for a squad as it is.

The key in all this is establishing a Super League club in Wales. Without one, it is difficult for us to compete on an equal footing.