Newport flanker Jason Forster insisted Wales could hold their heads high after restoring some battered pride against Australia in the Commonwealth Games Sevens yesterday.

The Welsh were a Gareth Wyatt conversion away from drawing level with the highly-rated Aussies in the consolation Plate semi-final as they lost 7-5 at the colourful City of Manchester Stadium.

Australia, who beat Fiji in their pool before losing to Samoa in the medal quarter-final, forged ahead with a Tim Atkinson try on four minutes.

But Colin Hillman's outfit showed huge guts and determination to fight their way back and believed they'd made the breakthrough when Pontypridd winger Emyr Lewis flew over in the corner.

Lewis was denied by the touch judges but only moments later Gareth Thomas went over to give the Welsh hope.

But they could find no way through the stern Australian defence and frustrations boiled over in the dying seconds as 31-year-old skipper Forster was sin-binned for what looked like stamping in a maul on Brisbane flanker Rob McDonald.

Forster said later: "We're frustrated but our reputations are still intact. It was just unfortunate that the conversion didn't go over."

He added: "We improved every game and have surprised a few people and things bode well for the future."

After victories over first Sri Lanka (55-7) Tonga (31-10), Forster was disappointed that Wales didn't beat South Africa.

A 12-19 defeat to the Springboks on Saturday meant they got the quarter-final they didn't want against eventual gold medal winners New Zealand and succumbed to a 24-0 reverse on Saturday.

Wales were overpowered by the men in black who are the best in the world as the undisputed IRB World Sevens Series champions and they defended their Commonwealth title with a 33-15 win over Fiji in yesterday's final.

Four tries from the All Blacks, including one from Super 12s star Brad Fleming, wrapped up a convincing win against a Welsh team in the quarter-finals, who struggled against some mighty defence.

New Zealand were just too strong for the Welsh and once they broke the first line of defence, too often they had plenty of support.

But Wales have come a long way since they were hammered by New Zealand during the Wellington leg of the IRB Sevens and captain Jason Forster was pleased with the way his side responded against Australia.

"We had to pick ourselves up for Australia after the New Zealand defeat," he said. "We responded well."

With Newport's domestic campaign just weeks away, Ponthir-based Forster added: "I'm absolutely shattered. My body is battered and bruised but it's been a great experience. The initial squad of 20 has been training for the past six weeks and everyone has been fantastic.

"I was very proud to captain Wales being a Newport boy. It was unexpected and we've played against some big names.

"We all put 100% in and did our best for the supporters and that's all you can ask for as a player."

Pontypridd winger Wyatt, who scored four tries against Sri Lanka and one during the Tonga victory, chipped in: "It's been a great experience. Mixing with some of the best athletes in the world is something that we'll all remember for a very long time."

But Wyatt still believes there are lessons to be learned by the Welsh heading into next season's IRB World Sevens series.

"We always respect the Southern Hemisphere teams too much and are not as confident as we should be going into games.

"It was only New Zealand who really overpowered us. We should have beaten South Africa and probably Australia too. "

* In the picture: Newport's Jason Forster in action against Australia.