FULL REPLAY: Aussie Schools and U18s finish tour on a high against Scotland U19s

Mon, Dec 17, 2018, 12:35 AM
Beth Newman
by Beth Newman

The Australian Schools and U18s team finished their northern hemisphere tour on a high with a 46-14 win over the Scotland U19s.

In a fast-paced encounter, the Aussies stood up physically to the older Scots and took their chances in attack.

Discipline was a concern for the visitors from the start with the referee speaking to the side about their offside infringements and they ultimately conceded a penalty try in both halves and gave away two yellow cards, through Jeremy Williams and Tom van der Schyff

It was an arm wrestle in the early stages but a superb effort from flanker Carlo Tizzano off a lineout play gave the Aussies the opener in the 7th minute.

Tizzano bashed his way through a wall of defenders for that first try as the Aussies began to assert control.

The Scots stretched the Aussie defence at times with some quick recycles but the younger Australians held strong.

They had three tries in the first half but those didn’t come easy against a gritty Scotland side that used its power in attack well.

A strong carry from prop Angus Bell created the second score for the Aussies, with halfback Spencer Jeans ultimately scoring to stretch their lead to 14 points.

The Aussies used their strength again to step up a third try just minutes later, with a super John Connolly tackle dislodging the ball and no. 8 Will Harris finishing off the ensuing attack.

A Reesjan Pasitoa penalty pushed the Aussies lead out to 24-0 as the first half ticked down.

Australia were left a man down just before half-time with Williams sent to the bin for collapsing the maul deep in defence and the Scots nabbed a penalty try off their next lineout, leaving the margin at 17 at the break.

It didn’t take long for Australia to increase their advantage after half-time, with prop Bell crashing over and bringing two Scottish defenders with him, for Australia’s fourth.

Winger Daniel Ala and lock Max Douglas added to that tally as the Aussies began to find their groove in attack. 

The Scots finished with another penalty try as Van der Schyff was sent to the bin but lock Thomas Lambert scored straight off the last kick-off to have the final say of the day.

Australian coach Andrew Moloney said he was pleased with his side on both sides of the ball.

"Obviously very happy with the result today and an impressive performance from the team," he said.

"To put 46 points on an international side like Scotland was outstanding and credit to our attack, but once again I thought our defence really led the way."

"I couldn't be prouder of the group. We have battled injury, illness and even the weather on this tour but the group has never lost its focus on what we set out to achieve and that's a testament to the players.." 

The Aussies finished the tour with four wins from five matches, with a 22-17 loss to the Ulster U19s their only defeat of the trip.

RESULT

Australia Schools and U18s

Tries: Tizzano, Jeans, Harris, Bell (prop), Douglas, Ala, Lambert

Cons: Pasitoa 4

Pens: Pasitoa

Yellow Card: Williams (34'), Van der Schyff(69’)

Scotland U19s 14

Tries: Penalty 2

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