Outback Barbarians 75 def Spokane Razorback 6
A LACK of playing experience as a team was no barrier to a commanding performance by the Outback Queensland Barbarians as they opened their US tour with a 75-7 victory over the Spokane Razorbacks.
In a game that was always likely to be a mismatch the Barbarians ran rampant, scoring 10 tries and lived up to their promise of playing true-attacking style Barbarians rugby.
The Spokane Razorbacks draw players from just one city where rugby is a minor sport at best, and were always likely to struggle against a team that has drawn high-quality players from more than 15 clubs across Queensland.
Despite the scoreline the Razorbacks never dropped their heads and ran hard and tackled hard until the final whistle, earning high respect from the tourists.
The need for a good opening performance was essential for the Barbarians to build team momentum heading into the four day, four match Missoula Maggot Fest and they delivered with a quality effort across the paddock.
Despite a few early turnovers the forwards soon found their rhythm and began combining well to provide a mountain of ball to the backs.
Steve O’Leary from Toowoomba Rangers led the backline with a class performance at five-eigth while fullback Murray Brooks and outside centre Ashley Kirk from Rockhampton continually found holes in the opposition defence.
Brooks made numerous incisive runs on his way to four tries. Kirk had fewer opportunities but made the most of every chance to unleash his blistering pace.
A clear highlight was a spectacular in-and-away by the jet-footed Rocky cattle producer, in which he left three defenders grasping for air, then chipped and regathered to beat a fourth before drawing the fullback and passing to Murray Brooks who crossed the line unmarked.
Rockhampton openside flanker Wayne Wilson opened the scoring just four minutes into the match after collecting an inside pass from Murray Brooks and stepping out of a tackle to score beneath the posts. Wilson was among the best on the field, regularly winning turnover ball and running like a centre to score two of his own and setting up the team’s third try for winger Sam Rollinson with an elusive charge downfield.
Rockhampton number eight Todd Lynch, second row Jono Bradbury and Townsville blindside flanker Cory Camps were among the standouts with never-tiring intensity and solid metre-gaining charges throughout the match.
O’Leary had an excellent day with the boot, landing several wide chances to finish with nine from 10 attempts.
The match was played under unlimited interchange rules, ensuring every player in the 28 man squad enjoyed game time. In the 75-7 win it was impossible to find a player who did not play well, a positive sign for team managers heading into the Missoula Maggot Fest in Montana, where the Baa Baas will play four games in four days.
The Maggot Fest – named in honour of the host team the Missoula Maggots – involves 40 teams from across America. Every team plays the same number of games. The winners are decided not by a final or even by results, but by a vote by all players who select the most honoured side and the best play on the pitch.
The Barbarians have been seeded against the best teams in the tournament, including the Prairie Fire which play in the Canadian Rugby Super League and are said to have at least four capped Canadian internationals in the team.
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