WELLINGTON, New Zealand (AP) — Australia restored authority to its Rugby World Cup campaign on Friday, beating the United States 67-5 six days after its loss to Ireland caused the first major upset of the tournament.
Winger Adam Ashley-Cooper scored three tries in a seven-minute span of the second half as the Wallabies improved their record against the Americans to 7-0 overall and 3-0 at World Cups.
Australia’s victory also ended a period of soul-searching prompted by its 15-6 loss to Ireland, leaving it with some hope of reclaiming first place in its pool and of avoiding world champion South Africa in the quarterfinals.
But it may have come at a heavy cost with centers Anthony Faingaa and Pat McCabe and fullback Kurtley Beale all leaving the field with injuries.
