Wallabies run rampant

Press, 28 August 1986, Page 40

Wallabies run rampant

By

STEVE McMORRAN,

of NZPA in Invercargill

The Australian rugby team left one disappointment behind but gained another as it whitewashed Southland, 55-0, at Rugby Park Invercargill, yesterday.

ns attempt to purge me memory of its test loss to New Zealand succeeded till an injury to David Campese cast a new shadow on the tour. The coach Alan Jones, charged his second side with a mission to fly the flag for their downcast teammates and they did so with a performance crammed with artistry and skill. But Campese’s early exit from the match, prompted by a hamstring injury, gave the tourists new cause for concern. Campese may miss an intended meeting with Thames Valley next Tuesday and the third test the following Saturday after pulling a hamstring 19 minutes into yesterday’s second half. Mr Jones said the hamstring strain seemed minor and localised enough to respond to treatment. He hoped Campese would be fit for next Tuesday’s match but Will place no pressure on the gifted wing to play before he has fully recovered.

•‘Campese’s injury is the negative part of the day,”

Mr Jones said. “He’ll work hard and hopefully he’ll be fit to play on Tuesday.

Mr Jones refused to allow Campese’s misfortune to detract from his general satisfaction with the Wallabies nine try victory.

The second five-eighth, Brett Papworth, scored three, the wing, lan Williams two and the referee, Tom Doocey, brought up Australia’s half century with a penalty try from a collapsed scrum in the final moments.

The fullback, Michael Lynagh, celebrated his elevation to the Australian captaincy with an individual tally of 19 points from eight conversions and a penalty.

Australia’s collective performance was a further celebration of the fairest day and the finest ground of the tour: a breathtaking display of running rugby which laid to rest the Carisbrook ghost.

“This team got a very significant instruction from me before they went

out\ today and they answered that,” Mr Jones said.

“We’re under enormous pressure now and in the next few days so that makes it all the more meritorious.” Southland was humbled but not shamed. Its halfback, Jamie Flynn, had a busy game and the fullback, Brent \ McKenzie, was solid but unspectacular. “I thought Southland defended damn well,” Mr Jones said. “They certainly didn’t give up. They even tried one or two illegalities to get in the road but that was part of their commitment. “But we were pretty flash today. Some of our tries were outstanding and if you look at them on television its doubtful some would have been blocked by any defence.” Scorers: Australia 55 Brett Papworth (3), lan Williams (2), Stephen James, Michael Cook, Mick Murray tries. Penalty try. Michael Lynagh eight conversions and penalty.