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Wales and Australia in spectacular

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CARDIFF, Wales -- Wales and Australia warmed up for next year's World Cup showdown in Cardiff by sharing 58 points at the Millenium Stadium - the first draw between the teams in 24 Tests.

A match-saving penalty by Test match rookie James Hook drew the home side level after Chris Latham's barnstorming try for Australia had left the Wallabies 29-26 ahead with the clock counting down.

Hook, 21, came on for injured captain Stephen Jones in the first half and gave an assured display as Wales fought back from 17-6 adrift to score 20 unanswered points.

Hook, last season's Wales under-21 fly-half, kicked 13 points and defied relentless pressure on his young shoulders.

Australia possessed the greater cutting edge in attack, claiming tries through Latham, wing Cameron Shepherd (2) and scrum-half Matt Giteau, who also kicked three conversions and a penalty for a 14-point haul.

Wing Shane Williams and flanker Martyn Williams touched down for Wales in each half, with Jones slotting a penalty and center Gavin Henson landing a long-range effort.

Wallabies head coach John Connolly felt his side had let Wales off the hook, after big lead during the first half.

"When it was 17-6 we had numerous opportunities to put a nail in their coffin. But we gave away four penalties in quick succession, and that allowed them back into it," he said.

His Welsh counterpart Gareth Jenkins hailed Hook as man of the match although Latham was officially given the champagne.

"We are all aware of James' ability," said Jenkins. "He showed today he has the composure as a young man to perform on the international stage. There is nobody who won't have been impressed by James."

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