THERE was unanimous agreement in the wake of Australia's demolition job on Munster that this was easily the Wallabies' best display of the tour as they preserved their loo per cent record.

It was not just that. According to Australia's 100-cap wing, the leading international try scorer David Campese: "It was sensational, the best performance given by Australia for a year. It was great to see some of the young players give a performance like that and for some of us old players to be part of it. It could be the last match some of us will play for Australia."

The coach, Greg Smith, criticised for Australia's lack of adventure since he took over from Bob Dwyer last year, said: "This was the best display the side has given since I became coach. There is no doubt that some big claims were made out there for places in our Test side.

"We viewed this match as likely to be one of the hardest on tour against a side of Munster's reputation and achievements against touring sides. That was how we approached the game."

Munster coach Jerry Holland and manager Colm Tucker both described Australia's performance as "superb". Holland added: "I thought they were truly exceptional. This really was total rugby. We just could not get enough possession to put them under pressure.

"Unfortunately, bearing in mind Munster's great tradition against touring teams, the side left the province a bit down. It was a major disappointment to finish the season this way."

Tucker said: "They produced some superb rugby and we could not match them. Of course we are disappointed. The tries just before and after half-time were crucial.

"We failed to win enough of the ball to give ourselves a chance and we made mistakes and missed tackles, and against a side playing like that you have no chance. I would like to say that I thought Killian Keane played especially well for us in the circumstances.

Australian manager Peter Falk said: "This was easily our best display of the tour. The youngsters were superb and we were really fired up for this match. The forwards gave us the possession and the backs responded superbly. We expected a much harder game from Munster, but they did not win much of the ball. It was a great way to end our stay in Ireland."

And the final word from Peter Clohessy, making his first appearance since he was suspended last February after a stamping incident in the international against France: "It was great to be back playing again, but I wish the match had ended differently."

Clohessy, who goes to Australia in January to play for Queensland, added: "I did not know until last night that I was going to be on the bench and was given permission by Queensland to play. I was glad to get on the field, and I thought Australia played brilliantly. But I have never seen a bad Australian team and this one was exceptional."

He will now have several of those who played for Australia yesterday as team-mates with Queensland. "I am really looking forward to playing with them."

Clohessy's contract with Queensland does not allow him to play at club level in Ireland before he travels in January.