David v Goliath: Australia’s record against the World Cup minnows
From 142-point thrashings to regular mind-blowing upsets — the role of the World Cup minnow has changed. So it’s time for JIM TUCKER to reflect on the Wallabies’ performances against the world’s lower-ranked nations.
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When Chris Latham and the Wallabies were running up a 142-point cricket score against Namibia at the Adelaide Oval in 2003, the place of rugby’s minnows at the World Cup was under scrutiny yet again.
It was only a fleeting debate because so much of the heart and spirit within the code at every tournament is reflected in the nations that have battled the hardest to reach the code’s greatest stage.
The gaps are closing. The number of walkovers is diminishing.
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MATCH REPORTS
STRUGGLE: France make heavy work of win over USA
CLINIC: Barretts dominate as All Blacks pommel Canada
Uruguay arrived at this tournament in Japan as the 19th-ranked team in the world yet the grand 30-27 upset over Fiji in Kamaishi last week will be part of sporting folklore in that country for decades to come.
“I think the entire team was the Player of the Match, no?” delighted forward Ignacio Dotti said after Uruguay’s win.
The Wallabies should win well over Uruguay in Oita on Saturday but that united front of defensive defiance and sturdy forward play by the South Americans still has to be breached.
The Wallabies have been part of the tapestry of David v Goliath clashes since they beat the US (47-12) and Japan (42-23) at the inaugural World Cup in 1987.
So just what is the record and highlights for the Wallabies against the minnows at World Cups?
1987
Beat US 47-12 at Ballymore and Japan 42-23 at Concord Oval
The first World Cup was at the curiosity stage for many rugby fans in Australia. Many had never seen the Japanese play the game and under 9000 were tempted to find out at Sydney’s Concord Oval in a pool game.
Andrew Slack scored two of Australia’s eight tries but the fast-stepping Japanese surprised with three of their own in a 42-23 loss that gave just a hint of what they would be capable of decades later.
1991
Beat Samoa 9-3 at Pontypool
This match was played in pouring rain and mud at Pontypool in Wales. So rudimentary was the scoreboard that the Samoans were simply denoted as “VISITORS”. The Wallabies didn’t score a try and got out of town through three Michael Lynagh penalty goals.
They did tangle with Samoan prop Vili Alaalatoa, father of current Wallaby Allan.
1995
Beat Romania 42-3 at Stellenbosch
World Cup-winning lock Rod McCall was honoured with the captaincy of the Wallabies for the only time. The Wallabies wore a striped alternative strip and a 19-year-old winger named Joe Roff scored two tries in just his second Test.
1999
Beat Romania 57-9 in Belfast and beat US 55-19 in Limerick
The win over Romania at Ravenhill was most memorable early on because of the cartwheeling, female streaker who braved the freezing conditions to perform.
It was closely followed by Tim Horan scoring the fastest try of the tournament after just 92 seconds.
He donated money offered by sponsor Guinness to the premature baby unit at Brisbane’s Royal Women’s Hospital.
The try feat to score quicker than it takes to pour a perfect pint of Guinness — 119.5 seconds — also won Horan a year’s supply of the black stuff.
Horan was whistling up Guinness supplies years later.
At Thomond Park in Limerick, Jason Little captained the Wallabies for the only time against the US. American centre Juan Grobler had the honour of scoring the only try against the Aussies in the whole tournament.
2003
Beat Namibia 142-0 in Adelaide
Fullback Chris Latham dashed over for five tries in the romp at Adelaide Oval. He celebrated in fine style. After one dot-down in front of the TV cameras, he made the shape of the letter “A” with his fingers to say hello to daughter Ashley.
2007
Beat Japan 91-3 in Lyon
This 13-try spree in France included a hat-trick for backrower Rocky Elsom. A young Berrick Barnes scored two tries himself in his Test debut off the bench.
2011
Beat Russia 68-22 in Nelson
The sight of Radike Samo’s afro perched out on the wing was one of the unusual aspects to this match. That was before Australia’s wing stocks were stretched even further with Drew Mitchell limping off with a damaged hamstring after scoring two tries.
The Russians were a different side in the second half when they scored three tries to get the crowd roaring for the underdogs.
At least one of the Russian names was easy to pronounce.
Australian Adam Byrnes could play lock because of his grandparent’s heritage as Russian refugees and after answering a “Players Wanted” ad.
2015
Beat Uruguay 65-3 in Birmingham
Kurtley Beale’s handling, quick-thinking and running were a delight in this victory. Dean Mumm was honoured with the captaincy for this match at Villa Park and Drew Mitchell ticked over his healthy World Cup try tally with another two.
Originally published as David v Goliath: Australia’s record against the World Cup minnows
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