FULL back Chris Latham scored an astonishing try against Wales just hours after learning he could be honoured as the world's best player.
Latham was revealed yesterday as one of five finalists, along with New Zealand duo Dan Carter and Richie McCaw, for the International Rugby Board player of the year prize to be announced this month.
"When I got told I was a bit embarrassed and blown away by it really," he said. "Something I've always strived for is to be the best full back in the world.
"To be nominated as one of the top-five players in the world - that's something I never thought about."
Latham underscored why his standing in the game has reached superstar status when he hauled the Wallabies back into the lead midway through the second half at Millennium Stadium.
Accelerating to scoop up a Wales kick-on halfway as scarlet-clad chasers descended, Latham hustled his way down the touchline and hurled aside three defenders before completing one of the most memorable solo efforts of recent seasons. |
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"It was one of those things, racing at the ball, where I was either going to get it or knock it on," he said.
"Thankfully it stuck. Then the whole time I was running down the touchline I'm thinking 'chip it, chip it'. But the next thing I know (replacement back-rower Stephen Hoiles) is pushing me over the line."
The Latham score capped a showcase of variety from the Australia attack.
Five-eighth Mat Rogers sucked in three defenders to put across wing Cameron Shepherd for the first of four Wallabies tries. Halfback Matt Giteau grabbed the second when he caught the Wales defence napping with a quick tap close to the line.
Shepherd took a low pass on his fingertips for a personal double in the 58th minute and Latham went over in the 63rd minute to put Australia up 29-26. |
