Wolfman bags three on debut
November 09, 2008

DAVID "Wolfman" Williams launched his Test career with a hat-trick of tries as Australia sent a plucky Papua New Guinea packing from the World Cup 46-6 at Dairy Farmers Stadium.

The bearded 22-year-old flyer looked all class and could easily have scored four or five tries in his maiden Test.

Australia led 22-0 at half-time after Williams and centre Joel Monaghan each scored doubles in the opening 40 minutes.

The 16,239 fans showed their appreciation when PNG centre Menzie Yere showed great hands to scoop up a Rod Griffin grubber kick off his boot laces to score in the 73rd minute.

Yere, a late inclusion for George Kepa, will long remember his try because the player he burst through was young Kangaroo giant, Israel Folau.

The scoreline will look good for PNG to take home after they lost 82-0 the last time they played Australia in the 2000 World Cup.

Replacement utility Scott Prince notched the first two touch downs of the second half to blow the score line out to 34-0 at the 55th minute mark.

Prince, who started his rugby league career with North Queensland in Townsville, appeared like a thief in the night to snatch an intercept off Kumuls veteran Stanley Gene just two minutes into the second half.

The Titans playmaker got his second after Williams made a breathtaking 60 metre swerving run only to be dragged down five metres short with a hat-trick on offer.

PNG could not be accused of not having a dig against the world champions, showing tremendous heart to keep Australia to 6-0 in the opening 20 minutes.

With some pundits tipping the Kumuls could be smashed by 100 points, they stuck it out until the 80th minute despite Australia's relentless pressure.

Hard working Kangaroos forward Anthony Tupou grabbed Australia's eighth try just before full-time.

While they failed to win a game in the "pool of death" which also included England and New Zealand, PNG can head home having won the respect of many fans for the way they played the game and conducted themselves off the field.