James O’Connor piloted Australia to a record 60-11 victory over a disappointing Barbarians outfit at Twickenham in the national team’s first match since the Rugby World Cup.
In his debut for the Wallabies at five-eighth, O’Connor led a fine display of running rugby in the eight tries to one win against the invitational team in west London.
O’Connor produced a sparkling performance, regularly stepping his way through the Barbarians even if he did throw a pass that was intercepted by Robbie Fruen deep in attack and made a hash of one try-scoring opportunity in the first half.
He was also good with the boot, landing eight from nine, while Digby Ioane, Lachie Turner and James Horwill all scored doubles.
Radike Samo and Rob Horne also scored tries.
English rugby league star Sam Tomkins touched down in the corner for the home team in the injury time.
Adam Ashley-Cooper was named man of the match, despite being sent to the sin bin.
After the Barbarians’ victories over New Zealand and South Africa over the past two years, a close match had been expected.
That Australia butchered three tries in the opening half reiterated the one-sided nature of the contest.
The Wallabies will face a much sterner test next against Wales in Cardiff next Saturday in a rematch of last month’s third place playoff at the World Cup.
The win in front of 51,112 fans improved Australia’s win-loss record against the Barbarians to 9-3 and eclipsed the previous record 55-7 win in Sydney in 2009.
O’Connor openedg the scoring with a penalty, a reassuring start following his troubles with the boot against England at the same ground last year.
Tomkins knocked on in his first touch in rugby union before Turner messed up a simple pass to Horne.
With the Australians camped on the Barbarians’ line, O’Connor had a moment to forget in the 14th minute when his pass was intercepted by Fruen.
Fullback Ashley-Cooper raced back to cover but was handed a yellow card for a deliberate knock-on.
Former Wallabies skipper Stirling Mortlock produced a bone-crunching hit on current Australia captain David Pocock in the 20th minute.
But there was little for fans of the Barbarians to cheer as the Wallabies pushed a 18-3 halftime lead out to an emphatic scoreline.
One concern coming out of the match for Australia was Berrick Barnes, who copped a nasty blow to the back in the opening half and was replaced before the break.
Mike
Guest
I think the ledger is pretty much in favour of the King
Mike
Guest
No real mistakes in our set-piece. Bu the barbarian forwards didn't challenge in general play (except for Matfield).
Mike
Guest
I'm not too worried by the forward passes - that sort of thing can be fixed. What worries me as a wallaby supporter is that the Barbarian forwards didn't challenge at all. Exception for Matfield, but otherwise they didn't put out forwards to the test at all. And that in turn means JOC hasn't really been tested at No 10. Which is not to denigrate him - I suspect he may turn out to be a very good fly-half. But this game didn't really test him. And still those huge question marks over our 1, 3, 6, maybe 8 and their reserves.
Whites
Guest
Are these games just touch footy?
johnno42
Guest
sooo that'll even up the ledger between deengo doins and henry
Sprigs
Roar Rookie
It's not an either or thing, in my opinion. JOC is a great player, despite those who wanted him ejected because he missed a photo call. Quade is brilliant too, and remember that without his try-saving tackle we would have lost against the Boks in the world cup.
trakl
Guest
Tomkins didn't knock on in his first touch of rugby union. I think he fielded a kick-off and passed for Cipriani to kick the ball away. Cipriani incidentally looked unfit, lacking sharpness in his running and in his speed of thought too - his defence was even more dreadful than I remember it as being.
Mike
Guest
OOOh Green Giant!
Mike
Guest
Very disappointing game by the Baabaa's - few distinguished themselves - most looked disinterested and the tackling was simply appalling. That said the world has seen the new & improved Wallaby #10 - James O'Conner - solid, strong, fast, good pass He was everything Quad eis not - Goodbye Quade forever!
p.Tah
Guest
So Henry isn't so mighty without Ritchie... :)
crashy
Guest
How was the scrum? Surprised by the score actually.
Darwin Stubby
Guest
Don't be daft bazza of course it does - let the hype begin
Bazza all black
Guest
Hey no fair, just cos your coaches were silly enough to fix the game and referee against the boks instead of waiting to the final, not my fault... ;)
johnny-boy
Guest
Dear Bazza - just because you scraped home with dodgy refereeing against a better team in a rigged world cup final doesnt make you worthy world champions. Dont get ahead of yourselves will ya :)
john griffiths
Guest
Well done Wallabies. Wish things had been different and an angry England team ,given the chance , would have beaten you at Headquauters given the chance. Hate to say it but Cmon Taffsnext week.
mickh
Guest
Thanks bazza, stupid advice noted. -- Comment left via The Roar's iPhone app. Download The Roar's iPhone App in the App Store here.
Bazza all black
Guest
A feel good game by the wb s. played well, but please learn a lesson from earlier in the year. This does not mean the wbs are world best now, but it is a good step on the way back....