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.