A LAST-MINUTE Bernard Foley penalty completed the first ever Southern Hemisphere clean sweep of World Cup semifinal places and set off a storm of controversy as Australia headed off a Scotland upset.

    Television replays indicated referee Craig Joubert made a mistake in awarding the penalty that saw the Australians overtake for a 35-34 win Sunday.

    The South African official sprinted off the field to boos and jeers from Scottish supporters at Twickenham after he blew the final whistle.

    But Australia celebrated setting up a semifinal against Argentina — who thrashed Ireland 43-20. New Zealand will play South Africa in the other semifinal next weekend after they beat France and Wales, respectively, Saturday.

    With Scotland leading Australia 34-32 amid a rainstorm, Joubert hit trouble by ruling that Scottish replacement prop Jon Welsh had strayed offside. Australia scrum-half Nick Phipps appeared to touch the ball before Welsh was left in an offside position.

    Wallaby fly-half Foley expertly scored the winning points.

    (SD-Agencies)