News

Australia`s media trumpets new dawn

Monday 21st July 2008

Who you gonna call? Bokbusters!

Australia's media is daring to dream of new glories after the Tri-Nations victory over South Africa on Saturday, with a rosy tint all over newpaper columns.

'Time to Bok'n'roll' was one headline, 'Bokbusters' another, as the Wallabies delighted in their triumph over the All Black-conquering World Champions ahead of Bledisloe One this weekend in Sydney.

Greg Growden, one of Australia's most vociferous rugby commentators, said that while the June Tests ought to have been taken with a pinch of salt, there was no understating the quality evident in this victory, nor the improvement in the team dynamic.

"It was wild and dramatic, but in the end the Wallabies were able to enjoy one of their most courageous wins last [Saturday] night over the world champions," Growden wrote.

"The most clinical of defensive performances enabled the Wallabies to stifle the most extravagant of Springbok attacks and win their first Tri-Nations game of the season.

"There were many excellent efforts among the Wallabies, none more than the Australian back row of Rocky Elsom, George Smith and Wycliff Palu, while the effort of five-eighth [No.10] Matt Giteau and inside centre Berrick Barnes was exceptional.

"They were fearless and committed, and the reward was a special victory over quality opposition, and the ideal build-up before next weekend's Bledisloe Cup test in Sydney."

Growden also sounded a note of warning for people not to get carried away, however, pointing out that winning games at home was nothing that special.

The Sunday Telegraph's Iain Payten also pointed to the teamwork and collective direction that Australia's squad had displayed.

"Hey champs, Tri this on for size," read the headline, on the inner pages of the 'Bokbusters' sports pull-out.

"In an intense battle that saw both sides exhausted at the final whistle, the Wallabies overcame a brutal Springboks defence in a magnificent performance," Payten wrote.

"Though the Boks were consistently punishing in defence, the expansive mindset rammed home by coach Robbie Deans paid dividends, with tries to Lote Tuqiri and captain Stirling Mortlock on either side of half-time proving the killer blow."