Wales interim coach Rob Howley believes the nation are not far from beating the best the Southern Hemisphere has to offer.
Wales boss highlights positives following last-gasp defeat
Wales interim coach Rob Howley believes the nation are not far from beating the best the Southern Hemisphere has to offer.
The Six Nations champions were seconds away from toppling Australia in the second Test on Saturday prior to Mike Harris' penalty giving the home side a 25-23 win.
Wales have not won in Australia in 43 years, but Howley is taking the positives from the contest despite slipping two-down in the series with one game to play.
Closer
"When you haven't won in Australia since 1969 and you are 20 seconds away from doing that, it doesn't get any worse than that," commented Howley.
"We were 20 seconds away from beating Australia. For 79 minutes and 40 odd seconds we have done a lot of good.
"But we are getting closer and are not far away, are we?"
Howley said his side lacked composure in the closing stages, especially in the final minute when reserve Richard Hibbard gave away a penalty that allowed the Wallabies to snatch victory.
"We spoke in the change room about lacking composure," he said.
Opportunity
"We gave them the opportunity through lack of discipline in the last two minutes and like any top side in world rugby they take their chances.
"It is just a matter of mastering those key moments in international Test match rugby.
"On occasions, we didn't master those moments as we have in previous games, particularly in the Six Nations."
Despite being bitterly disappointed in losing the series, Howley remains confident that his side can hit back in the final Test against the Wallabies in Sydney next week.
"All the players and coaches are disappointed," he said.
"I am immensely proud of their effort and everything they have done and I think they will come back stronger."
