Australia laid claim to having the best defence in world rugby with a rare shutout of Wales at Millennium Stadium on Saturday.

Desperate not to have their line breached, the Wallabies made twice as many tackles as the home side in the comprehensive 33-12 victory, Australia's biggest win in Cardiff since the triumphant 1991 World Cup campaign.

"Their defence was magnificent," said Wales's defence coach Shaun Edwards.

England and Scotland also failed to score a try against Australia, who conceded just three tries in total on the six-game tour of the British Isles.

Incredibly, the Wallabies missed just four tackles in 80 minutes against Scotland, yet still suffered their only tour defeat.

"All tour I've been happy with the defence. It's given us an enormous lift in almost every game we've had," Wallabies captain Rocky Elsom said.

"And the reason for that is the guys are just keen to work. Particularly at the end there today it was getting very difficult, but we managed to get everyone on their feet and kept going at them."

Refusing to yield despite having the match all wrapped up, the Wallabies defended desperately as Wales attacked their line relentlessly in the final 10 minutes.

"The defence was great and that's been coming on for some time and it's a reflection of the physical work they're doing," coach Robbie Deans said.

"(Wallabies conditioner) Pete Harding can take a lot of credit for their ability to go 80 minutes. Good things take time but they're starting to build a base now."

Prop Benn Robinson, who had been in doubt for the Test all week with a shoulder injury, said the Wallabies' pride in defence typified the growing resolve in the team.

"When we were under the pump, five or 10 metres out, we ended up getting a turnover," he said.

"That's a real indicator of where we're heading and how we felt towards that game.

"I just can't say how good it was tonight and the feeling we had after the game."

And after several years of ridicule, the Australian scrum, with loosehead Robinson providing the foundation, is now also receiving international accolades, with Wales coach Warren Gatland rating it superior to New Zealand's scrum.

"It's getting the respect that it deserves," Deans said.

"I'll look forward to that in the Tri Nations next year. I can't spell it out any more than that."

Indeed, Deans could do worse than to send footage of the Australian scrum destroying the Welsh pack - and also England's and Ireland's on this tour - to the IRB's referees boss Paddy O'Brien.

The Wallabies felt extremely hard done by during this year's Tri Nations, believing referees often penalised the Australian scrum on suspicion because of its reputation for being vulnerable.

Deans will be hoping the Wallabies buried that reputation in the Cardiff dirt.

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