Get Newsletter

Connolly still wants more

Tuqiri reflects on his demolition job

Australia coach John Connolly made it two wins out of two as the Wallabies recorded a 43-18 victory over England in Melbourne in – but the new boss admitted he was less the satisfied with his side's performance in the first half of the game at Telstra Stadium.

"We were unable to put them under any pressure and that is disappointing," he said.

"I think the first half was tough, we built up no pressure and our line-out struggled. We attacked well in midfield and the results came in the second half.

"When they played with width it loosens up the game a lot and we got the scores."

England played the entire second half without injured props Graham Rowntree (concussion) and Julian White (neck), forcing referee Steve Walsh to rule uncontested scrums.

"It was unusual they were both injured at the same time, and we were quite disappointed it went to uncontested scrums," said Connolly.

"We were on the receiving end of a lot of decisions, but overall, we are delighted with the performance.

"We will work hard for Ireland, and get ready for the Tri-Nations. Ireland are a very stable side, and they won't give us anywhere near the opportunities England gave us.

"We will have to turn up, because when Ireland are at full strength, they are a very good side."

Australia ran in six tries through Mark Gerrard (two), Lote Tuqiri, Mark Chisholm, Stephen Larkham and George Smith, while all England could manage was consolation efforts from hooker George Chuter and wing Tom Varndell, with the Leicester Tigers speedster enduring a miserable game opposite Tuqiri.

"I had to have Tom Varndell in my sights today," said Tuqiri.

"He stood me up last week, and I was a bit embarrassed – I wanted to assert my authority."

ADVERTISEMENT

Join free

Yokohama Canon Eagles vs Toshiba Brave Lupus Tokyo | Japan Rugby League One 2024/25 | Full Match Replay

Edinburgh vs Glasgow | Celtic Challenge 2024/25 | Match Highlights

Boks Office | Episode 31 | Investec Champions Cup Review

Global Schools Challenge | Day 2 Replay

The Backyard Bunch | The USA's Belmont Shore

AUSTRALIA vs USA behind the scenes | HSBC SVNS Embedded | E04

South Africa v France | HSBC SVNS Cape Town 2024 | Men's Final Match Highlights

Two Sides - Behind the scenes with the British & Irish Lions in South Africa | E01

Write A Comment