Australian Schools get off to a flier against Fiji

Fri, Sep 26, 2014, 3:00 AM
AAP
by AAP

The Australian Schoolboys side has won its first match of its three match tour of New Zealand with a 50 to 15 victory against Fiji Schools.

The young Australians were taking on a team that had a noticeable size advantage across most positions but were able to counteract the Fijians muscle with smart, tactical Rugby.

Australian Schools Head Coach Stephen Philpotts was very proud of the way his side played.

“We were a little overawed by the occasion in the early stages but I was very proud of the way the team took control of the match after those early jitters.

“The win today was a credit to our belief and by sticking to our game plan of which I am very satisfied with.

“The forwards were exemplary as they had a lot of work to do to allow our backs to get forward momentum and they really shone in this role.

“We still have plenty to work on before our next match against New Zealand Barbarians and we will be addressing this in the coming days.”

Australian Schools take on the New Zealand Barbarians at 10am AEST on September 30 with the match to be broadcast live on FOX SPORTS 1 & 1HD.

THE MATCH:

Fiji Schools started the match well with a try mere seconds after kick off, scoring directly underneath the posts after Australia’s defence was unable to account for an aerial raid from Fiji. Fiji converted to take an early 7-0 lead.

Both sides traded a pair of penalties I the first half with Australian Schools’ with Connor O’Shea from St Joseph’s College Hunters Hill being accurate with the boot all day.

With the scores locked at 10-3 Australia was able to gain momentum and keep the pressure of Fiji’s defence with consistent possession.

Two tries to winger Joey Fittock allowed Australian Schools to gain the advantage on the scoreboard taking Australia’s points to 24 against Fiji’s 10 at halftime.

The second half saw the Australian side fire out of the blocks with two tries to Reece Hewat and Sione Tuipulotu allowed Australia to extend the lead to 31-10.

Despite valiant attempts from the Fijian Schools side the team was unable to keep pace with Australian Schools with the young men in gold taking out the match 50 to 15 after a string of late tries by the Australian backs allowed Australia to cruise home.

The Australian side has two matches left with New Zealand Barbarians and the New Zealand Schools side.

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