Aussies off to ideal start

By WYNNE GRAY

SYDNEY - Australia kicked off their World Cup title defence in the ideal manner with a 24-8 win over Argentina before a packed Telstra Stadium early today.

With questions over just how ready the Wallabies were for the cup, it was crucial they start on the right foot.

They were sent into the packed arena fuelled by words of encouragement from their injured warrior Toutai Kefu. A cracked shoulder blade removed the seasoned No 8 but he presented his countrymen with special wattle-embroidered jerseys and some choice instructions.

They worked for his replacement, No 8 David Lyons, who charged through the opening quarter with much of Kefu's old venom. Several times he broke the Pumas' defence on the inside channels.

Lyons also soaked up the pressure coming through from the visitors' pack, taking the ball from the back of the scrum and reaching the advantage line. It was an impressive return to test rugby for the 23-year-old loose forward.

His steady play helped in the torrid, tense opening, with the Wallabies under the cosh after losing four of their last five tests.

The Pumas arrived as a serious threat to the defending cup titleholders after winning six of their last seven tests, including twin victories against another fancied side France. This was seen as a contest of fire against ice, the passion of the Pumas against the calculated style of the Wallabies.

It was a match of crucial significance for both as they are brawling in the Pool of Death with Ireland, who were recently ranked third in the world by the International Rugby Board.

Argentina have tacked a useful backline onto their beefcake power in the pack but their lack of possession in the first half meant a lack of rhythm about their play.

Referee Paul Honiss considered four of their lineout throws not straight and penalised them consistently for scrum infringements. Centre Manuel Contepomi was also sinbinned when he took out Mat Rogers in mid-air as the Wallaby fullback soared to take an up and under. But for all those troubles the Pumas were only 14-3 behind at the break.

Elton Flatley scored the first points of this fifth cup with a 32m penalty after Stephen Larkham broke and was supported well by Wendell Sailor.

The second five-eighths repeated the successful strike after 16 minutes when the Pumas were penalised for repeated offside play while a third penalty on halftime was a solid effort from 40m. A fourth early in the second spell gave the Wallabies more breathing room.

League convert Wendell Sailor scored the first try of the tournament when he broke two attempted tackles to twist over and score in the corner.

While it was an error-strewn international, the Wallabies hinted confidence was returning with the old firm of George Gregan and Larkham looking sharp.

New prop Al Baxter, Brendan Cannon, and Phil Waugh were all prominent as they battled in the forward combat zone.

The one bit of grim news for the Wallabies was a serious injury to lock David Giffin, who fell awkwardly as he leaped to claim the kickoff at the start of the second half. The game was held up for several minutes before he was stretchered off.

The Pumas grabbed a smart try eight minutes from the end, through fullback Ignacio Corleto but Joe Roff got one back a minute later. Argentina were not going to upset Australia's party.

Australia 24 (W. Sailor, J. Roff tries; E. Flatley 4 pen, 1 con)

Argentina 8 (I. Corleto try; F. Contepomi pen).

Halftime 14-3.

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