Australia 45 defeated Ireland 16
Perth - 7 June 2003

It wasn't pretty and it definitely wasn't perfect, but the Wallabies comfortably passed their first test in 2003, easily accounting for Ireland at Subiaco Oval in Perth.

It was definitely a game of two halves. I suppose a certain amount of rustiness can be forgiven considering the Wallabies have not played together in seven months, and their were a number of new faces in the team. But these are elite players, and they've been playing regular rugby since February. At Test level, mistakes are generally costly and their is precious little opportunity to get back in the groove of things.

And so, after a half in which the Wallabies spilled pill, and squandered possession and territorial advantage, a severely under-strength Ireland had reason to be chuffed that they were within spitting distance of the world champs.

To give Ireland their due, they defended superbly for much of the game, particularly with their umbrella defence out wide. And to the credit of the Wallabies, they were able to adjust their game plan, and were rewarded for playing it narrower in the second half.

So what to read into this game? Not much, really. The Irish team on the field in Perth were a far cry from that which finished second in the Six Nations, missing as they were the likes of O'Driscoll, Wood and Henderson. The Wallabies, too, are currently hamstrung by injury, and may look a quite different team when they play Ireland on November 1st during the World Cup.

The word that comes to mind when reflecting on the Wallabies' performance is "good", not "great", not "outstanding", but definitely not "poor" either. It was a solid start to a long season.

So let's consider some individual performances -

- Chris Latham: solid at fullback, scoring a "wish they could all be this easy" length-of-the-field try, but didn't really get a chance to shine. Significantly, he didn't make a major blunder.

- Wendell Sailor / Joe Roff / Lote Tuqiri: not a factor in this game, due to scarcity of decent ball. Tuqiri needs to watch his off-the-ball play, as he took out three guys without the ball (most notably in the penalty try that shouldn't have been - he just pushed an Irish player completely out of the way before making that massive tackle on another player).

- Morgan Turinui: like the wingers, had precious few attacking opportunities. Looked solid in defence. Will need to get more involved against Wales if he is to stake a claim for a World Cup berth.

- Steve Kefu: not, I have to say, one of my favourite players. The word "overrated" has come to mind in the past. But I will take my medicine - he had a great game, and if he can maintain that kind of form, may well be the starting inside centre at the World Cup.

- Elton Flatley: has stepped up a level in recent times for the Wallabies. Another superb game, punctuated by a great line break resulting in a try, and a flawless kicking performance.

- George Gregan: bravo, welcome back!

- Toutai Kefu: workman-like. Lifted the intensity of his play in the second half. Not one of his best, though.

- David Lyons: quite effective at getting over the advantage line, but still not as good as Owen Finegan at his best. If Melon, once he regains match fitness, can reproduce the form displayed in the last couple of Brumbies matches, he may well force his heir apparent to the sideline come October.

- George Smith / Phil Waugh: weren't able to snipe quite as much turnover ball as usual, but were both ever-present at the breakdown.

- Giffin / Sharpe / Vickerman: like most of the forwards, played better in the second 40. Sharpe, in particular, is a very effective ball runner. Our own lineouts were, however, a bit of a disaster, though they did snatch a few of Irelands throws.

- Noriega / Paul / Young: solid, but did not stamp their authority on the game. Noriega, in particular, fell foul of the referee at the scrum. An area that still requires attention. Some of Paul's throwing at the lineout was also below par.

- Dan Fowell

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