Spring Tour: Cheika Starts With A Win As Wallabies Edge Barbarians
by Paul Cook -
A new era for Australian rugby under Michael Cheika has been ushered in with a much needed win for the Wallabies but they were forced to work hard for their 40-36 victory over the Barbarians in an entertaining affair at Twickenham in London.
Behind 12-7 early on to a side displaying all the gung-ho tenets of the Barbarian ethos, a rusty Wallaby outfit grew with every minute of the contest to edge ahead 14-12 by the break. Finding themselves 22-14 down within 10 minutes of the restart, the tourists flicked a switch to seemingly take the game out of the Barbarians reach, a quickfire three-try salvo leaving them 18pts ahead with only 15 minutes remaining.
But lapses in concentration let the invitational side back in for two late tries to leave Australia holding on for the final whistle.
Coach Sir John Kirwa