The Australian Under 20s have suffered another heartbreaking loss to finish eighth at the IRB Junior World Championship.
Australia got off to a strong start, leading 13-3 at half time, following two successful penalty goals by flyhalf Kyle Godwin and a converted try to captain Liam Gill.
England’s only score of the first half came off the boot of flyhalf Tom Heathcote who struck one penalty goal.
While Australia dominated the first half it was a different story in the second, with England running in 14 un-answered points to overtake the Australians and run out 17-13 winners.
The English took seventh place thanks to the boot of Heathcote who kicked three penalty goals in the second half, while England’s Koree Britton cross for a try late in the game to complete the English comeback.
The IRB Junior World Championship was also decided overnight with host nation South Africa defeating New Zealand in the final.
It is the first time a side apart from New Zealand has taken the crown since the tournament’s inception.
In other games, Wales secured third spot and their best ever finish to the tournament, while Ireland was also celebrating after securing fifth place and their best ever finish to the Junior World Championship.
Australia 13 – England 17
Halftime: Australia 13 – England 3
Australia tries – Liam Gill
Australia conversions – Kyle Godwin (1/1)
Australia penalty goals – Godwin (2/5)
England tries – Koree Britton
England conversions – Tom Heathcote (0/1)
England penalty goals – Heathcote (4/6)
