A few key changes, including the formation of a potent halves combination of Campbell and Bowen, has seen AATSI score a stunning 28-8 upset victory over the in form English Lions. With regular coach Anthony Magro away on business, the Lions returned to their woeful Fowler/McElroy days, never in the game.
AATSI: Timana Tahu, Scott Prince, Justin Hodges, and Matt Sing. Fields 6/6
England: Paul Sculthorpe. Wilkinson 2/2
PoM Points: Scott Prince 3, Dean Widders 2, and Matt Sing 1.
An almost full strength Kangaroos side has made ammends for their World Cup loss to South Africa, thumping the Rhinos 48-20 to maintain a perfect record in this season's internationals. The Aussies had, prior to today's match, never beaten South Africa.
Australia: Mat Rogers, Anthony Minichiello 3, Matthew Gidley, Trent Barrett, Craig Gower, and Shane Webcke 2. Rogers 6/9
South Africa: Clyde Rathbone, Hanse Gibbs, Claus Courtney, and Chenjarai Dube. Van Der Westhuyzen 2/5
PoM Points: Matthew Gidley 3, Trent Barrett 2, and Ben Kennedy 1.
The Cook Islands' remarkable form reversal in this year's international friendlies continued in today's match against Scotland, with the Islanders scoring a stunning 18-12 victory over the previously unbeaten Highlanders.
Cook Islands: Regan King, Tiri Toa, and David Woods. R. Paul 3/3
Scotland: Lee Penny and Wayne McDonald. Ross 2/3
PoM Points: Simon Taylor 3, Lee Penny 2, and Regan King 1.
After an embarassing fortnight of results, France have finally been able to record a win- proving far too strong for Greece in today's clash in Paris. The Frenchmen showed no mercy to a tired but enthusiastic Greek outfit, humbling them 28-10.
France: Gordon D'Arcy, Miguel Detreaux, Pascal Jampy, Rachid Hechiche 2, and Freddie Banquet. Michalak 2/6
Greece: Manuel Manolis and Michael Goirgas. O'Loftus 1/2
PoM Points: Pascal Jampy 3, Gordon D'Arcy 2, and Miguel Detreaux 1.
Malta have continued their impressive debut season of international football, today proving far too classy for a lacklustre German side. The Knights went into this match unbeaten, and continued the trend with a comfortable 24-0 win over the Germans.
Germany: None.
Malta: Sid Domic, Scott Magro, and Michael Vella 2. Pariah 4/5
PoM Points: Danny Galea 3, Jonny Maquina 2, and Matt Gafa 1.
The USA have downed Russia in the annual 'Cold War' match played in Moscow, with Matthew Petersen enjoying the run of play in a one-sided 18-2 defeat of the unfortunate Russians.
Russia: None. Ramonov 1/1
USA: Matthew Petersen, Jessie Kidman, and Jeff Preston 2. Raines 1/4
PoM Points: Matthew Petersen 3, Blaze Wilson 2, and Tony Gonzalez 1.
In the battle of the island nations, Samoa have put together a flawless second half comeback to score seventeen unanswered points and a 27-18 win over the Tongans, who lead 18-10 at the halftime break. Tonga's post World Cup hangover continued in the match, with the second half all Samoa.
Samoa: Brian Lima, Shontayne Hape, Tyran Smith, Andrew Lomu, and Logan Swann. Lima 3/6. Luullai 1 fg.
Tonga: John Hopoate and Jim Dymock 2. Hansen 3/3
PoM Points: Greg Wolfgramm 3, Maurie Fa'asavalu 2, and Jim Dymock 1.
A 75th minute Stephen Jones try has seen Wales come within a hair's bredth of upsetting New Zealand and sending the Kiwis home from their 'Grand Slam' with only one win. Instead, the Welsh conversion missed, and the New Zealanders will have to content themselves with a 28 all draw. In a three game series, New Zealand covered the gammut of results with a win, loss, and draw.
Wales: Hefin O'Hare, Marc Calderwood 2, Steele Retchless, and Stephen Jones. Harris 4/5
New Zealand: Carlos Spencer 2, Stacey Jones 2, and Sonny-Bill Williams. Carter 4/6
PoM Points: Marc Calderwood 3, Stacey Jones 2, and Ian Watson 1.
I assumne The Cook Islands are on the way up from 18th ranking with wins over 13- Samoa, 6- Tonga and 5- Scotland.
