Cardiff: Wallabies halfback Will Genia says Kurtley Beale's late steal that led to a try against Wales was special and shows how he can create something out of nothing.
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Although Genia was named man-of-the-match, there was a strong case for Beale to be recognised as best on ground after a strong performance at fullback highlighted by his fourth try of the year.
Wales winger Steff Evans carried the ball up in the 63rd minute into Australian territory but a quick-thinking Beale wrenched the ball out of his possession and sprinted downfield to score the Wallabies' fourth try of the match.
It was a pivotal moment just when things looked to be swinging Wales' way and Genia was in awe of what Beale was able to do at such a clutch moment.
"That was special," Genia said. "I didn't know what was happening. I looked up and saw he was running down the other end. It was a big play just because Wales had a lot of momentum.
"He killed it off a little bit and put the pressure on them to start chasing the game even more so. KB is good for those sorts of plays. He can create something out of nothing. He's really impressed me the way he's playing."
While Australia constantly asked questions of Wales' defence, the hosts missed just two tackles all game in what was one of their best defensive efforts in recent years, despite what the 29-21 scoreline suggested.
"We knew they'd be tough," Genia said. "We spoke during the week that it's going to take phase after phase to crack them. The pleasing thing is we had that on our minds moving into the game and it obviously eventuated throughout the 80 minutes. I thought our points were quite well constructed. There was the driving maul and Hoops' try and Adam Coleman's as well. We can take some confidence on the back of how we scored our points."
Attention has already turned to next weekend's blockbuster match between Australia and England.
There has been plenty of recent history between the two sides and both will be keen to establish dominance.
Genia missed all four games between the teams last year but said the fixture held no more extra significance than any other.
"People talk about the record we have here but none of it counts for anything once you get on the field," Genia said. "We're not worried about things that have happened before.
"The game isn't extra special. It's just for us as we get to London, we do our work and give ourselves a chance of performing on Saturday."
