Australian Under-20s into semi-final with New Zealand
June 14, 2009
AUSTRALIA will play New Zealand in the semi-finals of the IRB Junior World Championships after downing Wales 38-5 in their final Pool D match in Fukuoka.
The Australian Under-20s ran in four second half tries to crush the Welsh after four penalty goals from halfback Richard Kingi had them heading to the break with a 12-0 lead.
Queensland winger Rod Davies crossed twice during the second half, while second rower Rob Simmons and prop Albert Anae also collected tries.
The one disappointment for the Australians was a hamstring injury to fullback Kurtley Beale which forced him from the field after 20 minutes.
Scans today will determine whether Beale plays in the semi-final showdown with tournament favourites New Zealand in Tokyo on Wednesday.
“It was a good performance, clearly our best of the championships to date,” coach David Nucifora said.
“The forwards really upped the ante. They dominated the Welsh in all areas.
“Even at half-time we were travelling well.
“We had to run into the wind in that first half and to go to the break with a 12-point advantage was an indication of how well we combined across the park.
“Obviously we're hoping Kurtley will be OK for the semi-final. He's certainly played and trained well since we arrived here.”
South Africa will play England in the other semi-final on Wednesday.
AUSTRALIA U20s 38 (Rod Davies 2, Rob Simmons, Albert Anae tries; Richard Kingi 4 pen goals, 2 cons, Nick White 1 con) WALES 5 (Rhys Downes try) at Best Amenity Stadium, Fukuoka, Japan.
http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au...015652,00.html
---------- Post added at 12:31 ---------- Previous post was at 12:29 ----------
Lets hope this semi finals match is televised...
