WALES beat Australia for the first time thanks to Kate Williams' try at the death in Newport.

Ioan Cunningham's side took the spoils 31-24 in a dramatic finale at Rodney Parade just when it looked like they would be denied victory by a late Wallaroos seven-pointer.

The visitors got off to a flying start when Maya Stewart crossed for the Aussies’ first try after just two minutes and Faitala Moleka added the extras.

Keira Bevan, leading Wales in place of the injured Hannah Jones, drew the sides level seven minutes later, converting her own effort.

It remained 7-7 at half-time, but the hosts fell behind quickly after the restart as a result of Moleka’s penalty before Wales took the lead for the first time as substitute Dragons hooker Molly Reardon made it 12-10.

Another score followed through Alisha Joyce-Butchers after a patient attack and then, after a response by Australia's Caitlyn Halse, Reardon went over again through the driving maul.

Tabua Tuinakauvadra's powerful finish in the closing stages after some hard carrying made it 24-22 and then Arabella McKenzie's conversion levelled things up.

However, Wales got back on the front foot and kicked to the corner before hammering away at the line for Williams, with penalty advantage, to smash over.

Cunningham's side will now aim to repeat the historic win when the nations clash in South Africa in WXV2 at the end of the month.