2003 Kangaroos Tour Series

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Match Report

by MICHAEL CARAYANNIS

The Australian Kangaroos have bounced back to form with a devastating 74-4 victory over Wales this morning, with Craig Fitzgibbon landing 22 points for the Australians.

After having lost their opening match of the Kangaroo Tour to New Zealand, the Australian side has had two below par victories in their two previous warm-up games but have finally found form leading into Saturday's clash with Great Britain.

The Kangaroos were directed around the park by Brett Kimmorley, whilst Luke Ricketson, Craig Fitzgibbon and Danny Buderus were among the best performers for the Australians.

In the opening five minutes of the game, Darren Lockyer was replaced with a suspected broken nose but returned later in the first half.

In the twentieth minute of the game, Ryan Gridler reaggrivated his calf injury, which he sustained in the NRL Grand Final. Girdler is in doubt for Saturdays clash with Great Britain.

Craig Wing had a sojourn stay at fullback, before moving to the centres to replace the injured Girdler.

Wales crossed for their first try of the match late in the second half through centre Kris Tasssle.

At half-time Australian lead 36 to Wales 4.

For Australia, Kimmorley, Buderus and Minichiello all crossed for two tries.

The partnership of Craig Gower and Kimmorley in the halves looks to be a winner, with both players combining well throughout the game. Kimmorley had a hand in at least 10 of the Australian tries, whilst Gower was just as instrumental in the 13-try romp.

The Australian side simply had to much class for the Welsh, with inside balls catching the Welsh defenders on numerous occasions. A spirited performance by the Welsh players was not enough to combat the Australian strike power.

Source: WalesRL.co.uk