Australia aiming for a treble
Rugby’s most successful World Cup nation is eyeing a third title to enhance its impressive record.
Australia’s 35-12 triumph over France in the 1999 final made them the first country to retrieve the elusive Grail. Eight years earlier the golden generation of Nick Farr-Jones, David Campese and Michael Lynagh had snatched the trophy from England (12-6) in front of the home fans at Twickenham. Their 1999 double is even more praiseworthy in a country where rugby union comes down the pecking order behind rugby league, Aussie rules and cricket. But that, even following the retirement of their 1999 captain John Eales, did not prevent Australia from showing the world how to defend, through to that 2003 final. But then England completed their revenge, and in front of the Sydney fans for good measure. Defeat marked the end of a cycle for a doubting Australia. But the Wallabies are never more inspired than when they are playing in Europe, where they have won two World Cups.
Colours: |
Gold and green jersey, green shorts, gold and green socks |
Emblem: |
The Wallaby |
National anthem: |
Advance Australia Fair |
Fans anthem: |
Waltzing Matilda |
IRB world ranking (2006/07): |
4th |
Rugby World Cup record: |
Winners 1991, 1999 Finalists 2003 Semi-finalists 1987 Quarter-finalists 1995
Scored 987 points, conceded 380 |
Head coach: |
John Connolly |
Squad Member List: |
Forwards: Baxter, Chisholm, Dunning, Elsom, Freier, Hardman, Hoiles, Holmes, Lyons, McMeniman, Moore, Palu, Sharpe, Shepherdson, Smith, Vickerman, Waugh (vice-capt). Backs: Ashley-Cooper, Barnes, Cordingley, Gerrard, Giteau, Gregan (vice-capt), Huxley, Larkham, Latham, Mitchell, Mortlock (capt), Staniforth, Tuqiri. |
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