A dominant 80-7 win over Samoan Schools at St. Paul’s Collegiate School in Hamilton on Tuesday has set up the Australian Schools for the final match of their tour.
Having won two of their four matches so far, the Australian Schools side will look to end its tour on a high when they face New Zealand Schools at Auckland Grammar on Saturday 6 October.
Tuesday’s game saw the Australians open their account early, with a try in only the fourth minute after Jim Stewart broke two tackles to offload to Andrew Robinson who, after juggling the ball scored in the corner. Tom Wilson converted from the sideline for an early 7-0 lead.
A penalty awarded within kicking range from a Samoan high tackle allowed Wilson to take his team to 10-0 and seven minutes later Jake McIntyre showed great vision to cut out two players and create an overlap for John Porch to cross the line. Wilson added the extras again for a 17-0 lead.
Samoa attempted to break the Australian line but were unable to penetrate on a number of occasions and in the 26th minute a strong scrum set the platform for Australia’s Jack Tuttle to get over the gain line and set up Lolo Fakaosilea for another five-pointer.
Wilson was again solid with the boot and kicked truly to get the Australians out to a 24-0 lead.
The final five minutes of the half saw Porch and Michael Gunn both cross the Samoan’s line, with Wilson on song with the boot to take the Australians into half time with a 38-0 lead.
The second half started with the Samoans turning over the ball from the restart and after a good platform from the forwards, Jonah Placid scored and Wilson added another conversion to take it to 45-0.
Shortly afterwards a loose ball was toed through by Jack Dempsey and Tepai Moeroa chased through to ground the ball. Wilson’s conversion extended the score to 52-0.
Two minutes later Robinson crossed for his second before Samoa’s Matini Talapusi secured his side’s only try of the match to take the score to 59-7.
Before the close of the match, Australia scored a further three times through Wilson, Robinson (hat trick) and Moeroa. Porch added two conversions late in the afternoon to see the Australians record a solid 80-7 victory.
The Australian Schools will finish its tour against New Zealand Schools on 6 October, a match which will be broadcast live on Fox Sports 3HD & 3.
Australian Schools 80 – Samoan Schools 7
Australian Schools tries - Michael Gunn, Lolo Fakaosilea, Jonah Placid, Tepai Moreoa (2), Andrew Robinson (3), Tom Wilson, John Porch (2).
Australian Schools conversions – Wilson (9), Porch (2).
Australian Schools penalty goal – Wilson.
Samoan Schools try - Matini Talapusi.
Samoan Schools conversion – Talapusi.
Australian Schools side vs Samoan Schools
1
Tomas Robertson
St. Joseph’s College
NSW
2
Tom Wilson
Barker College
NSW
3
Matt Sandell
St. Joseph’s College
NSW
4
Tom Staniforth
Canberra Grammar School
ACT
5
Matt Philip
St. Augustine’s College
NSW
6
Jack Dempsey
St. Ignatius’College
NSW
7
Michael Gunn
Anglican Church Grammar School
QLD
8
Lolo Fakaosilea
Brisbane Boys College
QLD
9
Angus Pulver
Shore School
NSW
10
Jake McIntyre
Alstonville High School
NSW
11
John Porch
Farrar Memorial Agricultural High School
NSW
12
Jack Tuttle
St. Joseph’s College, Nudgee ©
QLD
13
Jim Stewart
The Scots College
NSW
14
Andrew Robinson
St. Mary MacKillop College
ACT
15
Jonah Placid
Toowoomba Grammar School
QLD
Reserves
16
Aaron Pleash
Ipswich Grammar School
QLD
17
Francois Postal
St. Joseph’s College, Nudgee
QLD
18
Siotame Kavapalu
Rowville Secondary College
VIC
19
Jack Cornelsen
Brisbane Grammar School
QLD
20
Brad Wilkin
Iona College
QLD
21
Andrew Ferris
The Kings School
NSW
22
Tepai Moeroa
Newington College
NSW
23
Kemu Valetini
Hallam Secondary College
VIC
Staff
Manager
Paul Geddes
Central Coast Grammar School
NSW
Coach
Steve Phillpotts
Brisbane Boys College
QLD
Asst Coach
Tim Rapp
Newington College
NSW
Asst Manager
John Rownes
Knox Grammar School
NSW
Skills coach
Andy Clark
Australian Rugby Union
ACT
S and C
Darren Clunn
Australian Rugby Union
ACT
Physiotherapist
Will Maher
ACT
Doctor
Dr Michael McLean
QLD
Australian Schools Tour Schedule 2012
Date
Opponent
Venue-Kickoff
22 September
Fijian President’s XV 18 def. Australian Schools 9
Prince Charles Park, Nadi – 3:30pm (FJT)
25 September
Fijian Schools 12 def. by Australian Schools 29
Churchill Stadium, Lautoka – 3:30pm (FJT)
29 September
New Zealand Barbarians 24 def. Australian Schools 5
Sacred Heart College, Auckland – 12:45pm (NZST)
2 October
Samoan Schools 7 def. by Australian Schools 80
St. Paul’s Collegiate School, Hamilton – 2:30pm (NZST)
6 October
New Zealand Schools
Auckland Grammar, Auckland – 2:45pm (NZST)
