Oracle of Delphi
ArnoldKangaroos thrashes Kiwis with record win
October 15th 2007 09:30
The future of Australian Rugby League is as bright as ever when a Kangaroos side with a record eight debutants in their ranks stormed to a record win over the new generation Kiwis over the weekend.
The record 58-0 win over the Kiwis in Wellington was the biggest margin in the history of trans-Tasman Tests thus ruining New Zealand's centenary celebrations.
The Aussies were as marvellous as the Kiwis were pitiful with debutant Israel Folau becoming not only the youngest Test player in Australia's history, but also the youngest ever try scorer when he opened the scoring in the 15th minute and followed up with a second on 31st.
The powerful centre bulldozed the New Zealand defence, brushing his way past some five defenders in an awesome display of hard powerful running before getting over the line for his first try.
His second try, in contrast, was all about great positioning and technical acumen as he collected a perfectly weighted cross-field kick from halfback Cooper Cronk to cruise over the line.
Greg Inglis also capped off a brilliant display with a superb hat-trick of tries and he was joined on the scoreboard by Jarryd Hayne, Brett Stewart, Greg Bird, Willie Mason, captain Cameron Smith and old warhorse Steve Price.
The only black mark of the game was the concussion suffered by Mark Gasnier from a late and high tackle from New Zealand and Manly centre Steve Matai in the 24th minute.
The off the ball incident was a disgrace and Matai was subsequently, and correctly, sent off by Steve Ganson for his reckless tackle. An International Rugby League judiciary last night suspended Matai for two games thus ruling him out of the Sea Eagles trial matches in 2008.
Australia 58
Tries: Israel Folau (2), Steve Price, Greg Inglis (3), Jarryd Hayne, Brett Stewart, Greg Bird, Willie Mason, Cameron Smith.
Goals: Cameron Smith 6, Kurt Gidley 1
New Zealand 0
[Image Source: AustralianRugbyLeague.com.au]
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