Aussies set up showdown with England at JWC
June 11, 2008 - 11:45am
Story by: ARU
The Ford Australian Under 20s have continued their impressive start to the IRB Junior World Championship with a 53-17 victory over Fiji earlier today in Wales.
Australia overcame both a spirited Fiji team and a vociferous Rodney Parade crowd who made no secret of the fact they were backing the underdogs, by returning to the top of Pool C and setting up a mouth-watering clash with England on Saturday to determine who progresses to the IRB Junior World Championship semi-finals.
The Fijians play sparkled at times as they played with typical gusto and spirit of adventure, but Australia were simply too skilful and too well drilled and ruthlessly put away their Pacific neighbours.
Australia opened the scoring with a well-worked try for Junior Sovala after only four minutes, but the Fijians delighted the crowd as they responded with a penalty from Sakiusa Malai Bulivakarua and then answered Sovala second try with a superbly fashioned score of their own for centre Wiliame Umu.
However, the Australians replied in ruthless fashion as captain David Pocock, wing Blair Connor, full back Peter Betham and number 8 Seilala Lam all crossed before half time with the Fijians simply unable to cope with the pace and power of the men in gold who went in at the break leading 36-10.
The second half proved to be more of a stop-start affair as several injury breaks took their toll on the momentum of the game, although Australia added further tries from Connor and scrum half Will Genia within 10 minutes of the restart before Fiji centre John Stewart’s long range effort.
Australia earned a late penalty try and then showed great commitment and discipline in defence to hold out a willing Fijian team in the final minutes.
Australian centre Ben Tapuai caught the eye with a polished all round display and was named Man of the Match, while both wings Connor and Sovala staked their claims for selection on Saturday against England with a brace of tries apiece.
Ford Australian Under 20s coach Brian Melrose said the performance had improved from their opening win on Friday.
“I thought we had some nice touches in the first half,” said Melrose.
“The second half meandered a bit but full credit to the Fijians who threw the ball around and provided tough opposition, they were always dangerous with the ball.”
Australia 53 (Junior Sovala 2, Blair Connor 2, David Pocock, Peter Betham, Seilala Lam, Will Genia, Penalty Try; Quade Cooper 3 cons; Rowan Kellam con) defeated Fiji 17 (Wiliame Umu, John Stewart; Sakiusa Malai 2 cons; Sakiusa Malai pen)
The Ford Australian U20s program is proudly supported by the Australian Institute of Sport
