Australia have fallen just short in their quest to win a maiden under-20 world championship title, going down 24-23 to France in a tight affair in Rosario.
The Junior Wallabies trailed 18-13 at half-time and took the lead in the 48th minute when Harry Wilson dived over but a number of lead changes as a result of penalties ensured the match remained on a knife edge going into the dying stages.
A valiant Australian side gave themselves every chance to do what no team in gold had done before them but France managed to hold on for their second world championship crown in as many years.
“The scoreboard shows how close the match was,” said Australian captain Fraser McReight. “It was back and forth, just point after point from each team. Credit to France … they played really well but super gutted for my team. We really lifted the tempo in the second half but unfortunately that wasnt enough to get the job done. It just sucks.
Advertisement
“It shows the junior programs and pathways in Australia are working. There is growth in the future, so its very positive for Australian rugby.”
The Junior Wallabies scored three tries to Frances two but left 10 points from kicks at goal out on the field.
It was the first time the side had made a decider since 2010.
It took just 49 seconds for the Aussies to get themselves into the game. Isaac Lucas easy line break gifted him time and space before he threw a pass to Mark Nawaqanitawase, who sprinted to the line for the fastest try ever in a final.
Frances Theo Lachaud scored a five-pointer off the back of a turnover before a penalty put the men in blue ahead 10-5.
Australian hooker Lachlan Lonergan registered his fourth try of the tournament in the 22nd minute to put his side ahead but France ensured they went into the break with a five-point buffer.
Former Wallabies assistant coach Stephen Larkham was spotted running water for the side and offering advice.
Wilsons try was the only five-pointer in the second half, which proved to be a seesawing affair with multiple lead changes.
Back-rower McReight was a menace at theRead More – Source
Australia have fallen just short in their quest to win a maiden under-20 world championship title, going down 24-23 to France in a tight affair in Rosario.
The Junior Wallabies trailed 18-13 at half-time and took the lead in the 48th minute when Harry Wilson dived over but a number of lead changes as a result of penalties ensured the match remained on a knife edge going into the dying stages.
A valiant Australian side gave themselves every chance to do what no team in gold had done before them but France managed to hold on for their second world championship crown in as many years.
“The scoreboard shows how close the match was,” said Australian captain Fraser McReight. “It was back and forth, just point after point from each team. Credit to France … they played really well but super gutted for my team. We really lifted the tempo in the second half but unfortunately that wasnt enough to get the job done. It just sucks.
Advertisement
“It shows the junior programs and pathways in Australia are working. There is growth in the future, so its very positive for Australian rugby.”
The Junior Wallabies scored three tries to Frances two but left 10 points from kicks at goal out on the field.
It was the first time the side had made a decider since 2010.
It took just 49 seconds for the Aussies to get themselves into the game. Isaac Lucas easy line break gifted him time and space before he threw a pass to Mark Nawaqanitawase, who sprinted to the line for the fastest try ever in a final.
Frances Theo Lachaud scored a five-pointer off the back of a turnover before a penalty put the men in blue ahead 10-5.
Australian hooker Lachlan Lonergan registered his fourth try of the tournament in the 22nd minute to put his side ahead but France ensured they went into the break with a five-point buffer.
Former Wallabies assistant coach Stephen Larkham was spotted running water for the side and offering advice.
Wilsons try was the only five-pointer in the second half, which proved to be a seesawing affair with multiple lead changes.
Back-rower McReight was a menace at theRead More – Source
