'Brave fight'

U.S. goes down fighting to Aussies

Click here for more on this story

Posted: Thursday October 14, 1999 06:49 PM

Australia's Mark Connors (right) and Alec Parker of the U.S. leap for the ball in Australia's 55-19 win. AP

LIMERICK, Ireland (CNN/SI) -- On the surface Australia's World Cup aspirations are rolling along -- after winning its three Group E games.

However, the match truly belonged to the Americans who valiantly fought against the superior professional squad from Down Under in the end going down 55-19. In fact, the Eagles can take heart from their performance as they scored more points than both Ireland and Romania against Australia collectively -- including the only try that the tough Australian defense has conceded thus far in the tournament.

Australian coach Rod Macqueen admitted his team has a finishing problem, and that his squad is suffering in comparison to its main rival New Zealand, which thrashed Italy 101-3 earlier Thursday.

The Wallabies scored eight tries to one and ran into a passionate U.S. effort, but they dropped too much ball for the third World Cup game in succession.

"There's no doubt we're not nearly as happy as we could be," said Macqueen. "I don't think 100 points was on the cards here today because the U.S. played well, but certainly we are continuing to miss a lot of the opportunities that we create for ourselves."

Wallaby winger Scott Staniforth got two tries on debut as the Wallabies sent out a second-string outfit and ensured all 30 squad members have now had a game.

Hundreds of Australian fans were unable to see the match after officials oversold the 13,000 capacity venue, which last hosted a test 101 years ago.

Australian Rugby Union chief John O'Neill said several tour groups arrived at the ground only to find their tickets had been sold.

The U.S. battled hard in the first half and clearly played with more feeling, despite being outclassed by their professional opponents.

"I was very proud to be part of this touring party tonight," said U.S. coach Jack Clark. "I think the team fought the brave fight."

Australian fly-half Stephen Larkham, one of only three players backing up from the win over Ireland, set the scoring rolling on four minutes when he finished off a move he started.

But any thoughts Australian might have entertained of an easy afternoon disappeared soon after when a strong U.S. forward push sent the Wallaby pack backpedaling 15 meters.

The Wallabies were forced to scramble hard to avoid conceding a try and managed to get back upfield for Matt Burke to extended the lead to 10-0 with a penalty.

American fly-half David Niu narrowed the margin with a neat drop goal before Staniforth scored out wide.

Again the Americans fought back. Lock Alec Parker went over the Australian line, only for referee Andre Watson to rule that he didn't manage to place the ball down.

On 37 minutes the U.S. team got the try it deserved. From a central ruck, Niu received the ball from Dalzell and sent a long pass that cut out two teammates and set up center Juan Grobler for a run at the line.

Grobler's try made it 17-10 to Australia and served as a wakeup to the tournament's second favorites.

Watson played six minutes of injury time in the first half, enough for Australia to get another try from hooker Michael Foley after the Wallabies won a lineout near the U.S. line.

Australia turned on the power after halftime and two tries in eight minutes, including a second for Staniforth, made the result certain.

Burke finished with 18 points from a try, five conversions and a penalty, while Tiaan Strauss, Chris Latham and Chris Whitaker also got tries.

Australia

United States

 

Related information
Stories
Samoa beats Wales 38-31 in repeat upset Lackluster Aussies beat plucky Irish World Cup witticisms
Stats
Australia vs. United States Match Summary
Multimedia
Visit Multimedia Central for the latest audio and video
Search our site	Watch CNN/SI 24 hours a day
	Sports Illustrated and CNN have combined to form a 24 hour sports news and information channel. To receive CNN/SI at your home call your cable operator or DirecTV.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.