An impressive first half burst has led the Australian Under 20s to a 67-12 win over Scotland in their opening game of the IRB Junior World Championship in South Africa.
The Australians scored a total 11 tries to two, including six in the first half, to start the tournament in impressive fashion.
While happy with their first outing, Australian Under-20 coach David Nucifora said there was still work to be done before they face Argentina.
“It’s a good start but there’s plenty to work on,” Nucifora said.
“We’re still not happy with our defence, so we need to work on that to ensure everyone is on the same page.
“Other than that, we’ll just continue to work on the things we have been, like our ball retention and ball recycling.
“I’m happy with how we started and we can build from this.”
The Australians got off to a blistering start, winning the ball off their own kick off through captain Liam Gill and charging down the field through a focus on quick ball at the breakdown.
Less than a minute into the game, Australia was on the board as front-foot ball and quick hands led to lock Jed Holloway crossing over in the corner.
The forwards and backs shared the spoils from then on, as fullback Nick Frisby crossed in the fourth minute, before hooker Hugh Roach burrowed his way over from close range in the 13th minute. James Dargaville extended his team’s lead in the 16th minute following an impressive passage of open play.
Twenty-six minutes in, Australia led 29-0 when centre Apolosi Latunipulu burst through the Scottish defensive line. Centre Chris Feauai-Sautia earned right reward for a strong first half to close the scoring for his side 31 minutes in.
Scotland finished off the half with a spark, with Andrew Redmayne scoring from a driving maul following a five-metre lineout in the final two minutes.
Australia led 36-5 at the half-time break.
A similarly strong start to the second half saw both Holloway and Feauai-Sautia secure their second tries of the match as Australia extended their lead to 48-5.
The Australian forwards finished off the match with tries to Curtis Browning, Silatolu Latu and Maile Ngauamo.
Starting flyhalf Kyle Godwin kicked four from eight, while replacement pivot Ulupeni Seuteni hit two from three. All of Australia’s reserves were used in the match.
Scotland’s only second-half try was scored by Jamie Farndale in the 54th minute. Harry Leonard kicked one from two.
The Australian Under 20s now have a four-day break before facing Argentina at Danie Craven Stadium in Stellenbosch at 10:45pm (AEST) on Friday 8 June.
Their final pool match will be against France at 12:45am (AEST) on Wednesday 13 June at Danie Craven Stadium in Stellenbosch.
Tournament semi-finals will take place Sunday 17 June in Stellenbosch and Cape Town, with finals running Friday 22 June.
All of the Australian Under-20 games will be shown on Fox Sports, with their first and last pool games appearing live.
Australia versus Argentina will be shown on delay at 4:30am (AEST) Saturday 9 June on Fox Sports 2HD and Fox Sports 2.
Australia versus France will be shown live on Fox Sports 3HD and 3 at 12:30am (AEST) on Wednesday 13 June.
