BaaBaas the 'ideal' warm-up for Deans
Australia warmed-up for their Test away to Wales next weekend by running in eight tries as they overwhelmed the star-studded Barbarians by a record 60-11 win at Twickenham on Saturday.
Both Australian wings, Lachie Turner and Digby Ioane, and replacement forward James Horwill, Australia’s regular captain, scored two tries each.
Wallaby coach Robbie Deans was delighted ahead of a clash with Wales – the team the Aussies beat to finish third at the World Cup.
“It’s ideal for us, the right order to have the games,” Deans said.
“That [Wales] is going to be a tough assignment so it was good to have a hit-out before we get to the Millennium Stadium.”
The Barbarians managed a try in stoppage time from Wigan Rugby League wing Sam Tomkins, playing his first Rugby Union match, following two penalties from England discard Danny Cipriani.
Barbarians coach Graham Henry, fresh from leading New Zealand to World Cup glory, said his side had been beaten by a top-class Australia team.
“They [the BaaBaas] got their second wind in the last five [minutes] and it’s just a pity it didn’t go for another 40 [minutes] because I think we could have pulled them back,” Henry joked.
“The Australians, when they play like that, are an outstanding rugby side. They played some real quality football. We just couldn’t hang on to them.”
Australia’s win surpassed their previous best against the Barbarians of 55-7 in Sydney two years ago.
James O’Connor, normally a wing but selected for the first time at flyhalf at international level by Deans, landed eight out of nine goal-kicks on his way to a match haul of 20 points.
Australia saw both centre Berrick Barnes (knee) and O’Connor (hand) suffer injuries but they were optimistic the pair would be fit for next weekend.
