The Aussies won their second game in the World Under 20 Championships in Parma Italy, by beating the local side 31-15 and earning a four-try bonus point in the process.
It was an evening game, but muggy, and the handling of a wet ball compromised both sides, often at key moments.
First half
After an Italy penalty goal ricocheted of the post, the ball was knocked on by the young Aussies; but the second attempt from the scrum penalty was successful. Italy 3-0.
Italy was getting into strong positions early at the breakdown to earn the favour of the referee and their loose head side of the scrum was dominant, except when they were pinged for walking around.
There followed some indifferent play by the men in gold: poor kicking from hand, dropping high balls, and a lineout ball thrown too high in a promising position. Things looked better for them when 12 Duncan Paia’aua made a break 35 metres out but he passed directly into the hands of Italy wing Lorenzo Masato, who scored at the other end.
Instead of finding ways to score a bonus point win with four tries, the Aussies were struggling to get any points on the scoreboard, and were down 0-8 after 23 minutes.
But after flyhalf Andrew Deegan kicked a penalty goal the Australian Under 20s hit a golden patch, starting on the half hour mark.
Fullback Jonah Placid kicked through for winger Andrew Kellaway who charged into the 22. After a breakdown penalty 6. Brad Wilkin scored from the maul drive after the lineout option was taken.
Australia led for the first time 10-8.
Placid was involved again when he fielded a high ball inside his 22 and sprinted and weaved to inside the Italy 22. From a ruck on the opposite side of the field scrum James Tuttle noticed a lazy pillar and ran through the gap, and then diagonally to the posts to score.
With five minutes remaining in the half the young Aussies led 17-8 against the flagging Italians, but there was more to come.
When Paia’aua sliced through, hooker Folau Fainga’a passed deftly to LHP Cameron Orr who ran 15 metres through three tacklers with a hint of a swerve, to score handy.
Deegan converted all of the tries and Australia had scored 21 points in seven minutes.
This was more like it: the lineouts were better than in the first game, the passing with the wet ball improved, and the scrum made a comeback. The fitness of the Aussie forwards in the conditions was outstanding.
Half time score: Australia 24 – Italy 8.
Cameron Orr (v. Italy 2014) – a hint of a swerve in his try
Second half
The Aussies had problems with the sweaty ball again and blew a few chances in promising situations. As though in sympathy the Italians responded with a howler when their fullback chipped and regathered brilliantly, but then kicked the ball touch-in-goal with a team mate inside him and begging for the pass.
Big lock Lukhan Lealaiauloto-Tui had a few good moments starting when he dislodged the ball as an Italian was about to ground it for a try. Then he pawed his way through a maul to defuse it legally, and followed that up by nabbing an over-thrown ball to the back of Italian lineout and charging upfield.
Deegan kicked the ball through from the resulting ruck and Placid chased it to the Italian goal line. Penalty Australia for holding on, and after they mauled from the lineout someone took the ball to the line with three tacklers attached. It was Lukhan !! 8. Adam Korczyk got the released ball from the ruck and charged over to score Australia’s bonus point try.
That raised the first points of the second half and after Deegan added the extras the young Aussies led 31-8 at 64 minutes.
They didn’t score again but Italy earned a try from a lineout drive:
Final score: Australia 31- Italy 15.
The Players
Italy
3 points – LHP and skipper Paolo Buonfiglio monstered the Aussie scrum in the first quarter.
2 points – 7. Renato Giammarioli was first to the ball many times.
1 point – 10. Mateo Minozzi didn’t kick at goal well early but made a couple of breaks which could have been more significant with better support.
Australia
3 points – Adam Korczyk handled scrappy ball at the lineout and the back of the scrum with ease, as well as being handy elsewhere.
2 points – Jonah Placid was involved in three of the four tries in different ways.
1 point – Lukhan Lealaiauloto-Tui had a Skelton-like effect in the second half.
The Wrap-up
Italy was solid playing standard European rugby in the first half hour and Australia couldn’t crack them. But they looked tired in the last ten minutes before the break and the Aussies turned on a try blitz playing a brand of rugby the young Italians weren’t used to.
Australia played well in the conditions but they have to start better than they have in both games to date to have any chance of beating South Africa in their last pool game.
Because they gained their second bonus point of the competition they could qualify for the fourth placing in the finals even if they lose to the Baby Boks, if a few things go their way.
But in pursuing a strategy of playing their best players in their first two games, but for few changes, the Aussies ran the risk of being tuckered out against the South Africans.
Scoring
Australia 31 (B. Wilkin, J. Tuttle, C.Orr, A. Korczyk tries; A. Deegan 4 cons, pen) def. Italy 15 (L. Masato, LM. Luus tries; M. Minozzi pen, con)
Next game
Australia Under 20s v South Africa – Calvisano
Televised Live by Fox Sports 2: Thursday 11 June 4.30am (AEST)
TV Highlights – posted by Pedro in “Discussion”, below.
.
