Wales came desperately close to beating Australia for the first time ever - but the breakdown proved decisive.

However it's not all over for Wales because that losing bonus point could very well put them into the quarter-finals as one of two best third-placed teams.

Now they must hope that other results go to form and that either Canada beat USA (Pool B) or France beat Fiji (Pool C).

The only problem is that it is likely to hand them a last-eight clash against the mighty Black Ferns.

However, at least Wales look set to fight for another day.

Hopefully we will see you all again next week.

Image source, Getty Images

Wales' try-scorer Sioned Harries told ITV: "We were in control in the first half territory wise but we couldn't get a foothold into the game in the second half.

"The girls are disappointed that there were too many errors, mostly at the breakdown. We weren't clinical enough and Australia were the better team.

"Most of our indiscipline was around the breakdown. I wouldn't say we weren't physical enough but it was the intensity."

Wales could yet progress with the possibility of another meeting with hosts New Zealand.

"We're disappointed things aren't in our own hands and that we didn't put Australia away.

"If it is New Zealand then we will give them a good go. We haven't see the best of this team yet."

Image source, Getty Images

Alecs Donovan
Former Wales centre on BBC Radio Wales

The pressure, it can either turn a team in to an unbelievable team which I think what is happened to Australia today, I think it had the opposite effect on Wales.

As a team I think they looked quite nervous and under pressure all the time.

Wales captain Hannah Jones told ITV: "We are gutted at that result. We should have capitalised on a few of our opportunities but hopefully we will make it through next week so we'll have to be ready to go again.

"We had some good defensive sets and the girls showed heart but it's just disappointing with the result.

"We will have to pick our heads up and hopefully go again next week."

Image source, Huw Evans Picture Agency

Alecs Donovan
Former Wales centre on BBC Radio Wales

Australia started so strong and they carried that through for the full 80 minutes.

And that's it. Australia win and now Wales must wait to learn their fate.

Iliseva Batibasaga’s first-half try and eight points from Lori Cramer's boot have edged a tight one in Whangarei.

Sioned Harried hit back for Wales before the break but Wallaroos dominance at the breakdown proved crucial.

Australia are into the last eight and now Wales must hope that losing bonus point might get them through as one of two best third-placed sides.

Image source, Getty Images

The Wallaroos have come up with yet another crucial turnover at the breakdown. That has been the difference between the sides.

What a catch by Jasmine Joyce from the re-start!

Wales will have another late chance.

That's a huge kick for Australia.

Alecs Donovan
Former Wales centre on BBC Radio Wales

Another mistake that's hard to bear.

Penalty for Australia.

Wales have taken their foot off the gas when they had Australia pinned back and it could cost them three points.

Siwan Lilicrap is on for her 50th cap.

I know they will want a lot more, but right now this losing bonus point is actually putting Wales very close to the quarter-finals.

Alecs Donovan
Former Wales centre on BBC Radio Wales

Wales are still on the back foot and it's frustrating that it comes from an error. They are errors that aren't forced by Australia.

This is starting to get really nervy.

Just three points in it, a player in the sin bin and about six minutes to go.

Agony or ecstasy for Wales?

That was close to being a red for Kaitlan Leaney but referee Sara Cox judged that Wales flanker Alex Callender had slightly dipped her head and braced for the challenge.

Well they won't playing like that.

Very static, poor pass and a dropped pass in the middle of the field.

No wonder the Wallaroos gave a whoop.

Yep. It was a shoulder into the face of Alex Callender.

Not the way Kaitlan Leaney would have wanted to mark her debut.

Can Wales make the most of the extra player?