The win is nice, but bring on the party

WEDNESDAY, NOV. 14: Damon Murphy produced an eye-catching display of running rugby in Australia’s crushing 45-7 win over Italy — but admitted he was more interested in checking out the Bermuda party scene than potential rivals.

The team’s performance at the National Sports Centre on Monday night arguably installed them as favourites for the 2012 crown but the former Melbourne Rebels and Australia Sevens star — who was both creator and try scorer — said he had other things on his mind.

He said: “I haven’t seen any of the other teams play so’ve got no idea. Sure the British Lions, South Africa and Argentina will be strong but honestly I’ve got no idea — I’m more looking forward to the party afterwards.”

Murphy’s emphasis on fun was evident from the off as he repeatedly broke through the outclassed Italy defence.

And he said notching up as many crowd-pleasing tries was the main aim of the Classic Wallabies this week.

“There’s no pattern to our play here really,” he said.

“The tournament probably gives a lot of the boys a chance to do stuff they don’t normally do in a serious game of football.

“They can just go and enjoy playing football against good people and good teams.

“It gives guys a chance to take a quick touch when you’d normally take the three (points with a kicked penalty). That’s what it’s all about.

“Everyone here comes to watch as many tries as possible.

“I don’t think much will change if we play the likes of South Africa.

“We’ll just run the ball, have a good time and hopefully score some tries so everyone can enjoy themselves.”

Blip

It was all one-way traffic against Italy from the whistle. Brad Fitler, the former Australia rugby league skipper, got on the scoresheet first, although fellow league legend Andrews Johns missed the subsequent conversion.

It was a rare blip, though, as the free-running Aussies then set about racking up an impregnable lead.

James Herbert, Jay Harvelu and Peter Playford added tries to made it 24-0 at the break before Garrick Morgan added another, which was converted, after the restart.

Murphy added his side’s fifth try but they saved the best score until last, however, as a stunning chip and run from Playford pierced the Italy defence and brought the crowd to their feet. Fabio Faggiotti scored a consolation try for Italy.