Union - Year in review 2011

A promising year for Australian rugby ended in disappointment when the Wallabies fell short at the Rugby World Cup.

Confidence was high going into the tournament, with Australia winning the Tri-Nations for the first time in a decade and the Queensland Reds claiming their first Super Rugby title.

However, the young Wallabies were found wanting, struggling to cope with the physicality of the Irish before losing to the All Blacks in the semi-final.

The hosts went onto end their 24-year World Cup drought, beating France in a thrilling final.