(Part 1) 1978 - 1982.
| Centre Andrew Slack won 39 caps for Australia between 1978 and 1987 and was a key factor in the Wallabies' ascendancy to world class status, eventually guiding them to a Bledisloe Cup, a Grand Slam and a World Cup semi-final. Though a fine player in his own right, Andrew's main strengths were his tactical acumen and the ability to get the most out of his teammates. These qualities made him a superb captain when he was eventually given the honour in 1984 and he would eventually lead Australia to 14 victories in 19 matches. His international debut came in Australia's 2-0 victory over Wales in 1978, a series even more violent and acrimonious than England's visit three years earlier. Australia were somewhat fortunate to win the second test when a Paul McClean drop goal was awarded despite sailing wide of the posts, but Andrew enjoyed the winning feeling all the same. "There was controversy aplenty but after my first series it was two to us and nil to the others!". A year later he featured in one of Australia's finest hours - a 12-6 victory over New Zealand in Sydney, but then missed the following two international seasons. He returned for the 81/82 tour to the UK (see photo above) where Australia's gifted side lost three out of their four test matches, but Andrew was able to register his first two tries against Wales and Scotland respectively. The same year Australia had an unsuccessful defence of the Bledisloe Cup but performed creditably in the 2-1 series loss. Andrew partnered Michael Hawker in the centres during the rubber and had to come to the rescue when his colleague was involved in a memorable scuffle with Bernie Fraser in the third test. Unfortunately, Hawker was none too appreciative of Andrew's heroics because by grabbing him from behind he rendered him defenceless to Fraser's flurry of blows! (Jon Collins) |
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Andrew Slack is pictured above playing rugby for Australia on 24th. October 1984. Pic. G Herringshaw.©
(Part 2) 1983 - 1987.
| In 1984 Andrew Slack was given the captaincy of Australia when coach Alan Jones' original choice of Mark Ella was vetoed by the selectors. The decision turned out to be a good one and Andrew led the Wallabies to a momentous Grand Slam against the Home Nations on the autumn tour of the UK. The Wallabies were well received everywhere apart from Wales where Andrew was spat upon by Llanelli fans when Australia played at Stradey Park. Australia responded in the most effective way possible by pulverising Wales 28-9 in the subsequent test match which included an unprecedented pushover try by Steve Tuynman. 'The Slam' was sealed with victory over Scotland at Murrayfield during which Andrew confounded critics who said that he couldn't pass the ball by hurling a superb long ball for David Campese to score his second try. After the game Andrew conceded that the emotion overcame him: "I got up to make a speech at happy hour and I've always been one to wear my heart on my sleeve. Yeah, the odd tear flowed." Andrew temporarily retired from the international game in 1985 but returned the year after to lead Australia to an even greater achievement than the Grand Slam - a series win on New Zealand soil. That year Australia also defeated France in Sydney, a forward performance which Andrew rated as better than the victories over New Zealand in 1979 and Wales in 1984. Sadly, Andrew's career ended on a low note when Australia were beaten in the World Cup semi-final against France, and his last game came in the 3/4th play off defeat by Wales. In retirement, Andrew became a successful coach, eventually taking over the helm at Queensland from his former teammate Roger Gould. He also wrote a biography of Michael Lynagh (the photo above shows the two players) entitled "Noddy", published in 1995. (Jon Collins) |