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
1
Aaron Pleash
Ipswich Grammar School
QLD
2
Tom Wilson (C)
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
Mitchell Whiteley
St. Ignatius’ College
NSW
9
Angus Pulver
Shore School
NSW
10
Jake McIntyre
Alstonville High School
NSW
11
Andrew Kellaway
The Scots College
NSW
12
Jack Tuttle
St. Joseph’s College, Nudgee
NSW
13
Jim Stewart
The Scots College
NSW
14
Andrew Robinson
St. Mary MacKillop College
ACT
15
Jonah Placid
Toowoomba Grammar School
QLD
Reserves
16
Tomas Robertson
St. Joseph’s College
NSW
17
Francois Postal
St. Joseph’s College, Nudgee
QLD
18
Neori Nadruku
St Edmunds College
ACT
19
Adam Korczyk
Brisbane State High School
QLD
20
Lolo Fakaosilea
Brisbane Boys College
QLD
21
Andrew Ferris
The Kings School
NSW
22
Reece Hodge
Manly Selective School
NSW
23
Tepai Moeroa
Newington College
NSW
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
Sacred Heart College, Auckland – 12:45pm (NZST)
2 October
Samoan Schools
St. Paul’s Collegiate School, Hamilton – 2:30pm (NZST)
6 October
New Zealand Schools
Auckland Grammar, Auckland – 2:45pm (NZST)
