AUSTRALIAN rugby legend David Campese has paid tribute to Wales after their stirring efforts against New Zealand and England in successive weeks, writes Robin Davey.

Wales lost both games, but scored seven tries in the two matches to shock the two top nations in the world, leading against both sides well into the game.

Campese was among the 45,252 crowd who applauded Wales, given a standing ovation at he end of the game and doing a lap of honour after their 28-17 defeat by England, whom they led at half-time and outscored them three tries to one.

"The way Wales played against Tonga, I said they shouldn't be there, but they have obviously been hiding things," said Campese.

"They were fantastic and to give a performance like that against England must be encouraging to France for next week's semi-final.

"The question was whether Wales could lift themselves again. They did and half-time got in the way of them. They had done enough in the first 20 minutes, but they were let down by the little things, but they scored the tries and they made the most of their opportunities.

"England didn't know what to do, but Wales have got to build on this, the work is not finished and they've got to carry on playing like this.

"The crowd appreciated a great game of rugby."

* England's World Cup odds have been lengthened from 6-4 to 2-1 second favourites by William Hill after their quarter-final win over Wales. The bookmaker now makes New Zealand 6-5 favourites with France at 4-1 and Australia the 13-2 outsiders.

* The Webb Ellis Cup has been on public display at the NSW State Library since last Thursday.

The trophy, known affectionately as "Bill", has visited each of the match venues during the pool stages.

It will be on display until November 21 after recently undergoing a buff and polish and a 22-carat hard gold plating.