Australian Schools defeat Fijian Schools

Australian Schools rebounded from their 18-9 loss to the Fijian President’s XV with a resounding 29-12 defeat over Fijian Schools at Churchill Park, Lautoka, Fiji yesterday.

The Australian side showed great determination in its first Test of the tour in the oppressive Fijian heat, taking control of the match early, with Jonah Placid notching the first try 10 minutes in.

For the next fifteen minutes both sides wrestled for dominance, with Fiji able to gain easy ground with judicious kicking, but Australia’s cover defence proved up the task and held the Fijians out.

The Australians stretched their lead after being awarded a penalty and Tom Wilson converted the attempt to take the score to 10-0.

With only a minute left in the first half, the Fijians showed the type of running Rugby expected of them, when winger Emosi Bure strode away to cross for his side’s first try to leave the home side down by five points at half time 10-5.

Within minutes of the start of the second half, Fijian inside centre Livai Drui crossed the line for his side’s second try and after a successful conversion the Fijian’s found themselves up by two points 12-10.

The Australians regained the lead soon after following some heavy work from the forwards, which saw Aaron Pleash crash over and when Wilson converted the visitors advanced to a 17-12 lead.

For the next 20 minutes it was a torrid encounter with both teams showing signs of fatigue from the heat, coupled with the sheer pace of the game.

The Australians broke through again in the 70th minute, with reserve prop Tomas Robertson crossing the line. Jake McIntyre’s successful conversion extended his side’s lead to 24-12.

Then, with a minute to go, Andrew Robinson beat his opposite man and scored in the corner to seal the victory. For his contributions, fullback Jonah Placid was named man of the match.

The Australian Schools side now travels to New Zealand to face the New Zealand Barbarians on 29 September, Samoan Schools on 2 October and finally New Zealand Schools on 6 October. 

Australian Schools 29 – Fijian Schools 12
Australian Schools tries - Jonah Placid, Aaron Pleash, Tomas Roberson, Andrew Robinson.
Conversions - Tom Wilson (2), Jake McIntyre.
Penalty goal – Wilson.
Fijian Schools tries - Emosi Bure, Livai Drui.
Conversion - Kini Douglas.

Australian Schools side vs Fijian Schools

 Reserves

 Staff

 Australian Schools Tour Schedule 2012