IM GLAD THAT CHEERED YOU UP IAC NOW HERES SOMTHING TO MAKE YOU SMILE EVEN MORE
Awesome Aussies do it again
13:50 AEDT Sun Nov 28 2004
Sensational, incredible, awesome, amazing - that's how the Australian players summed up their match-winning first half in the Tri Nations final against Great Britain at Elland Road.
The Kangaroos set up their 44-4 victory with an exhilarating opening 40 minutes, scoring six tries to silence the 40,000-strong crowd and maintain their 31-year stranglehold over the Lions.
It was the biggest win by an Australian team in England - surpassing the Kangaroos' 50-12 victory at Swinton in 1963 - and prompted coach Wayne Bennett to declare his 2004 outfit the equal of any side to tour Great Britain.
"That first 40 minutes, over here on Great Britain soil, is the best I have been involved with," captain and man of the match Darren Lockyer said.
"We put a big score on them (in Sydney in 2002) but to do it over here in that manner was something I will never forget."
Lockyer, playing his first game against Great Britain in this year's tournament and only his second since returning from a rib injury, was outstanding and played a part in all Australia's first half tries.
Of his support cast, fullback Anthony Minichiello was the pick.
The pair tormented the Lions, Minichiello crossing for two tries including a stunning effort in the 13th minute in which he and Lockyer combined to put Australia deep in attack.
On the next play the captain sent his fullback through a gaping hole and the floodgates opened.
"Our first 40 was awesome," Minichiello said.
"We just started fast and got a roll on. Everyone knew during the week there was a bit of pressure on us. The pressure brings out the best in all the players and that's what it did tonight."
Centre Willie Tonga also grabbed a try double in the first half and Lockyer helped himself to a thrilling four-pointer of his own, taking a miraculous pass from Nathan Hindmarsh and racing 50 metres to score.
The second half was played in an eerie atmosphere as Australia took its foot off the accelerator and Great Britain supporters resigned themselves to another defeat.
"That was unbelievable, incredible," said prop Shane Webcke, who only played after passing a last-minute fitness test on his right knee.
"It was just one of those rare things that happen where everything just stuck.