What's happening
Australia - Namibia
October 25 Match
WHAT'S HAPPENING? (posted 26th October 2003)
Alright! When the Wallabies stepped out against Namibia yesterday afternoon in Adelaide
not even the players' mothers could have predicted the massive score the Aussies would notch
up during the game 142-0!
I'm not going to give a blow by blow account of the match - there's not really any need to with a
scoreline like that - some humility is called for I reckon. Australia scored 22 tries,
the highlight being the number of records the Wallabies smashed and created on their way to the eighty
minute whistle.
Chris Latham - you did us all proud and it was great to see the smiles of delight on his face as he
crossed the line 5 times for Australia and in the process setting a new record for number of tries in a test.
Previously Latham had shared the record (4 tries) with Jason Little, David Campese, and Greg Cornelsen.
I doubt that Little, Campese, or Corny would mind at all that Chris Latham rewrote the record, especially since
he did so with such style :) God I love that guy!
Matt Rogers had an awesome game as well, scoring two tries, and had he not missed five conversion attempts then
Australia would have also broken the record score - currently held
by New Zealand (145-17).
The score was Australia's highest international rugby score ever, the previous highest being 92 which they scored
against Spain in 2001.
Chris Witaker - standing in for injured George Gregan also had a blinder of a game. I know - I didn't think he
should have been the captain, but he sure did perform very well and set up play consistently and deftly. Mat Gideau
scored a blistering three tries and also had a great day on the paddock!
Lote Tuqiri also scored three, Turinui a couple, and David Lyons, Stirling Mortlock, Jeremy Paul, Nathan Grey,
Matt Burke, and John Roe also went over for five points each. Australia even scored a penalty try. Roger successfully
kicked 16 conversions.
No doubt Namibia felt pretty humiliated at the huge loss, but their coach Neil du Toit said that they learnt a lot
from playing the Wallabies. International match play really is the only way that many of the minnow teams will develop.
No doubt in another four years time, Namibia will be a much more formidable opponent.
The 5 points takes Australia to the top of Pool A on 14 points.
Aussie Aussie Aussie!
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