BMW AUSTRALIA U20s FALL TO SCOTLAND

Jun 7 • General News, International, Junior Rugby, World Rugby Junior Championship • 1303 Views • Comments Off on BMW AUSTRALIA U20s FALL TO SCOTLAND

Photo: World Rugby

The BMW Australia U20s have lost their opening match of the World Rugby U20s Championship falling to Scotland 15 to 10 at AJ Bell Stadium in Salford on Wednesday morning.
Australia was reduced to 14 men with Campbell Magnay receiving two yellow cards, the second coming early in the second half that proved to be the tipping point for Australia who were unable to overcome a strong Scotland side.

BMW Australia Head Coach Adrian Thompson: “We are very disappointed with the performance we put out today and at times we were our own worst enemy.

“Our handling errors were not up to the standard we have set for ourselves in 2016 and we started the match too slowly.

“Going a man down against a good team like Scotland was always going to hamper our performance, however credit to Scotland who defended well against us.

“We now have to pick ourselves up and get ready for Italy.”

Australia play Italy in their second match of Pool B on Saturday 11 June, with kick off at 10.30pm AEST.

Starting the match the Aussies made use of their sizeable weight advantage in the scrum count from the first engagement, earning a penalty from the opening contest.

Scotland’s set piece improved earning the Scots a penalty that yielded the first points of the match.

Australia avoided any extra punishment while a man down with Campbell Magnay in the sin bin and actually dominated possession and territory but errors stopped them from getting on top.

Ultimately the weight of possession spelled a try for Australia, with Izack Rodda crashing through the Scottish defence in the 25th minute.

Fullback Jack Maddocks diffused a Scotland chance just after half-time but Magnay’s red card opened up an opportunity for Scotland prop Zander Fagerson, driving over for a 47th minute try.

Australia piled the pressure on despite being a man down, with flyhalf Mack Mason putting them back in the lead with a 56th minute penalty.

Scotland snatched back the lead in the 64th minute, with Darcy Graham streaking through Australia’s defence for what was ultimately the match-winning try.

Australia looked back to their scrum to try and clinch a last-gasp victory, opting for repeat scrums deep in Scotland territory, where they were dominating the men in blue.

It very nearly paid off, with Simon Kennewell looking to score, but his possible try was ruled out after he put his foot into touch.

Ultimately Scotland was able to hold on and clear the ball into touch, leaving the final score at 10-15.

Australia faces Italy on Saturday at 10:30pm AEST in a must-win match, LIVE on FOX SPORTS.

Scotland 15 (Tries: Zander Fagerson, Darcy Graham Cons: Alex Hastings Pens: Alex Hastings)defeated Australia 10 (Tries: Izack Rodda Cons: Mack Mason Pens: Mack Mason)