Australia’s World Cup hopes nearly crocked

AUSTRALIA’S World Cup preparations nearly ended in tragedy when winger Lote Tuqiri’s was forced to sidestep a saltwater crocodile.

The Wallabies winger last night described the moment as a “near-death experience” when the Australian squad came face-to-face with several crocodiles during their four-day training camp in Darwin and Arnhem Land.

The Wallabies returned home last night, all talking about one vivid moment when their lives “flashed in front of our eyes” after a crocodile took exception to them taking photographs.

On Wednesday evening, when the team were at remote Mt Borradaile in Arnhem Land, they went on a boating expedition down a crocodile-infested river.

About 7pm, the players, who were in two boats, saw a four-metre crocodile sitting on the bank. One of the boats drew closer to get a better look. With a floodlight aimed at it, the crocodile lunged at the boat, hitting it on the side.

Tuqiri was the closest to where the crocodile hit the boat and, believing that it was about to jump into the craft, leapt onto the boat’s canopy.

The Wallabies coach, Eddie Jones, who was in the boat with Tuqiri, described the former Kangaroo winger’s speed off the mark as second to none.

“Lote certainly showed some fancy footwork,” Jones said. “That’s understandable, though, as he did have a croc lunging at him at the time. Lote was standing at that end, and he also took off.

“Stephen Larkham and Joe Roff, who were near Lote, also showed some fantastic footwork to get to safety.”

The bonding session at the Top End also involved eating bush tucker, including yams, fishing for barramundi, and being guests at an Aboriginal dance.

But it was not all fun, frivolity, and near-death experiences.

The World Cup squad was involved in many strenuous training sessions in Darwin, which Jones used to assess the fitness levels of each member.

“The trip was worthwhile because we also had five really hard training sessions,” said Jones.

“Overall it was a great experience for all of us, and a real eye-opener.”

After a short break, the Wallabies will be involved in training sessions in both Sydney and Brisbane next week.

After that they will assemble again in Coffs Harbour on Thursday. The only injury from the trip was utility back Elton Flatley, who suffered a slight hamstring aggravation.