World Cup Moments: Toasted in a Campo-fire

New Zealand versus Australia, semifinal, October 27, 1991. Lansdowne Rd, Dublin.

The scene

Despite a difficult tour to Argentina and a loss to Australia, most expected the lingering class of '87 to do the business again.

Michael Jones was selected despite his no-play-on-Sunday stand ruling him out of three games, including the semifinal. Several others had injuries.

The NZRFU threw in a spanner by elevating John Hart to co-coach alongside Alex Wyllie. Once in England the team appeared under siege and were heavily criticised for their dour manner.

A first-up 18-12 win against England glossed over the cracks, but the worry-beads were back after a wobbly quarter-final against Canada.

The pressure built as the All Black frowns deepened. Then, with the Irish crowd and wind behind them, the David Campese-led Wallaby backs tore into the disjointed All Blacks from the kick-off.

The moment

In the sixth minute, Campo slips away from the right wing, scoots into first-five, grabs the ball and sets off on a shallow-angled blindside dash. Skipping across two All Black frontrowers, he has John Kirwan in two minds: tackle or cover?

He covers. Campo spears through the gap and the All Blacks are heading for their first World Cup defeat. Australia won 16-6.

What we said

"But while there was a frantic edge to the match, played at high pace, the Wallabies never looked threatened as they subjugated a mediocre All Black backline performance ...

"If the World Cup had been played six months ago, the All Blacks might have done enough to hang on, but they have looked leg-weary and without great zip even though they were said to have peaked for the tournament."

What happened next?

Australia tipped over England after conning them into adopting an open style of play. The All Blacks finished third, beating Scotland 13-6.

Then the axe fell - exit Wyllie and Hart. Wyllie bit back, stating that the NZRFU's pre-cup meddling "stank".

Enter Laurie Mains with a long-term plan and a grab-bag of Otago players.

Across the Tasman a mighty foe had emerged.

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