England to face South Africa in the semi-finals of the World Rugby U20 Championships
England are through to the semi-finals of the World Rugby U20 Championships as Pool B leaders after sealing a hard-earned 17-13 victory over Australia at the AJ Bell Stadium.
It was their third-successive win of the tournament after earlier victories over Italy and Scotland.
The result sees them play South Africa in the final four with victory earned despite conceding a try in the opening minute of the game.
BLISTERING START
Australia held a seven-point lead at the break, having made a sensational start to the game, scoring after only 27 seconds.
They won turnover ball from the kick-off and recycled through their three-quarters before Jack Maddocks glided through England’s midfield to cross.
Mack Mason sent over the conversion but Harry Mallinder reduced the deficit with a penalty soon after.
The Northampton Saints star missed with another three-point attempt minutes later with a Mason penalty restoring Australia’s seven-point lead.
Mallinder kicked his second penalty of the game after 30 minutes but Mason’s three-pointer just before the break sent Australia into half-time with a 13-6 lead.
MAGIC MARCHANT
Marchant collected Mallinder’s delightful chip through the Australian defence to dot down and help inspire a second-half fightback.
For the Harlequins centre it was his second try of the World Rugby U20 Championships and sparked England into life.
Mallinder missed a penalty from inside his own half with 17 minutes remaining but made no mistake shortly after as England took the lead for the first time in the game.
He sent over his fourth penalty with six minutes remaining and England held out for a 17-13 victory.
A GREAT FEELING
“It’s a great feeling, we wanted three wins,” said Mallinder. “Australia battled right to the end, it was a tough challenge and credit to them.
“South Africa will be another massive challenge and we’ll need to step up again for that game.”
Prop Will Stuart added: “It was a big-old battle up front and credit to Australia.
“We want to get better with each game and we’ll need to step up against South Africa.”
Photo: World Rugby
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