Okay, bear with me while I ease myself into the under 20 championship. I am learning who players are as I go.
First Half
It was a strong first half from both sides. Australia’s scrum and lineout were both strengths and weakness’s from set piece to set piece, while their ruck and maul looked strong. Fiji did Fijian rugby things while competing well at set piece, their fly half, Isaiah Ravula, kicked well and steered the team around efficiently. Inside centre, Epeli Waqaicece, will remember Taj Anan’s name after running into the big outside centre a couple of times and coming off second best.
Second Half
More of the same in the second half until Aussie loose head, Marley Pearce, decided to lead with his shoulder and got Yellow carded, that was soon upgraded to a red by the TMO and Australia were left with 14 for about 30 minutes of the game. Despite that, Australia were just in front 43-37 with 10 minutes to go. Mason Gordon was having a great game at 15 while left wing, Darby Lancaster, show incredible speed for his try.
The Wash-up
Australia has, unconvincingly, defeated Fiji 46-37 after playing one third of the match with 14 players.
Australia U20 – 46
Tries:
- Lancaster68′
- Gordon66′
- Leahy41′
- Vaihu34′
- Lancaster24′
- Bloomfield18′
- Bowron11′
Conversions:
- Bowen69′
- Bowen67′
- Gordon35′
- Gordon12′
Penalties:
- Bowen79′
Fiji U20 – 37
Tries:
- Nakalevu56′
- Tagivetaua47′
- Murray38′
- Waqaicece13′
Conversions:
- Ravula58′
- Ravula49′
- Ravula39′
- Ravula14′
Penalties:
- Ravula64′
- Ravula22′
- Ravula9′
