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.