RWC2011 Pool Match Report: Australia -v- USA

WELLINGTON, 23 Sept. – Adam Ashley-Cooper scored the fastest Rugby World Cup hat-trick ever as Australia scored 11 tries to sweep past USA 67-5 at Wellington Regional Stadium on Friday.

Ashley-Cooper’s treble came in the space of just seven minutes following second-half scores from Drew Mitchell and Pat McCabe to maintain the Wallabies’ tempo.

The wing’s first came after the Wallabies swept across the field from a scrum to create an overlap, replacement Berrick Barnes converting after taking over the kicking duties from Quade Cooper.

Barnes added the extras for Ashley-Cooper’s next two tries before Anthony Faingaa crossed for his second of the night. Radike Samo strode in for Australia's 11th try.

Clinical finishing had put Australia 22-5 up at half-time, having racked up four tries to earn a bonus point.

The Wallabies, stung by the loss to Ireland last week, soon clicked into gear as fly half Cooper set up Robert Horne for the opening try, though Kurtley Beale missed the conversion.

Rocky Elsom crossed next to make it 10-0 but USA, with scrum half and captain Tim Usasz orchestrating matters, found their own attacking rhythm.

Fly half Nese Malifa's crossfield kick was superbly taken by right wing Colin Hawley and only a well-positioned Cooper prevented a try.

Australia then held out for 18 phases but from the resulting scrum USA number 8 JJ Gagiano touched down.

Two moments of Australian alertness then created a comfortable margin. First they pounced on a turnover in their own 22, Elsom linking with Ashley-Cooper to set up Beale for a try; four minutes later Faingaa was on hand to profit from a Horne break.

Cooper, who switched to full back when Beale went off just before half-time, had a wayward night with the boot, converting only two of his five chances.

Coach Robbie Deans had used all his replacements by the 66th minute, and when Faingaa was taken off on a stretcher right on full-time the Wallabies had to play out the remaining seconds with 14.

http://www.rugbyworldcup.com/home/ma...49/report.html

From Twitter:
Ant Faingaa just walked out of the medic's room back to the sheds. Relief for him.

Horne has a possible fractured cheekbone, McCabe a dislocated Shoulder and Palu a grade one hamstring tear (minor).

So McCabe out, Horne possibly..

Palu maybe out too - doubt he'll be back for Russia and will be struggling for Quarters (assuming we make it :eek: ) - unless initial reports are wrong

hodgo - gits - cummins?

will be madness if Gits isn't on the next plane.

I wouldn't mind Seeing the one and only George Smith getting a call up not far away considering he is in nz.
Posted via Mobile Device

In 1999 when the Wallabies last won the Rugby World Cup. There was only one team that scored a try against the Wallabies. The USA Eagles.

Once again - The USA Eagles have been able to cross our line. Lets hope they are the only ones.

i also wonder how two - dad's ankle is. he was hurting after his third last night. and was still running on it...

Also. WTF is up with quade's kicking stats last night. 2/7 wasn't it?
Posted via Mobile Device

The BBC is reporting that two Wallabies had hamstring tears: Palu and Deans!

The wallabies fb has said Horne does have a fractured cheekbone, an mcabe has 'a shoulder Injury' they are waiting to see how they go before they decide what's happening re. Replacing them

Also said faingaa is fine.
Nothing on palu, Ashley-Cooper or Beale
Posted via Mobile Device

Even if faingaa is fine don't the IRB have a rule about players getting knocked out?? 2-3 weeks recovery?
Posted via Mobile Device

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by GAFFA

Even if faingaa is fine don't the IRB have a rule about players getting knocked out?? 2-3 weeks recovery?
Posted via Mobile Device

---

Unless cleared by a doctor I think?
Posted via Mobile Device