England U20s | Tries: Dingwall, Sleightholme, de Glanville, Hinckley, Hill (2), Vunipola, Willis Cons: Hodge (8)
Australia U20s | Tries: Lolesio, Lucas, Harris, McReight, Tizzano Cons: Harrison (2), Donaldson (2)
England scored eight tries in a rampant 56-33 victory over Australia at the World Rugby U20 Championship in Sante Fe, but Steve Bates’ side finish third in Pool B and will not advance to the top four of the Championship.
They will next face Ireland in the fifth-place play-off on Monday (17 June, KO 7.30pm BST), in Rosario, Argentina with New Zealand and Wales making up the other half of the draw.
England led 42-12 at half-time, scoring six tries through Fraser Dingwall, Ollie Sleightholme, Tom de Glanville, Aaron Hinkley and a brace for Ted Hill, with Josh Hodge converting them all. Australia crossed through Noah Lolesio and Isaac Lucas.
There were second-half scores for Manu Vunipola and Tom Willis which Hodge converted, but Australia crossed via Will Harris, Fraser McReight and Carlo Tizzano to secure a try-bonus point and top the group.
Ruthless England
Australia received an early blow two minutes in as No. 8 Patrick Tafa was awarded a red card for a shoulder charge to the neck, and from the resulting scrum Fraser Dingwall straightened up and crashed over for the opening score. Josh Hodge converted. [7-0]
Ollie Sleightholme added England’s second after a mistake from Harrison under the highball and Hodge added a second to extend the lead. But a dazzling move from Australia saw Noah Lolesio race under the posts. Harrison converted. [14-7]
Australia’s fightback continued as Isaac Lucas dived over after a defensive counter from 60 metres, however England started to build a commanding lead as Ted Hill went over for a brace of scores. [28-12]
De Glanville scored England’s fifth try of the game after a quick ball from Sam Maunder and the full-back stepped two men to pounce over. Aaron Hinckley then concluded a comprehensive half as the flanker crashed over from close-range, following some good phase play. [42-12]
England continued their surge in the second period as Manu Vunipola shaped up well from a five-metre scrum, the fly-half went under the posts untouched. Hodge added another to his 100% tally. [49-12]
Restoring pride
Australia scored their third of the match though a well-worked Will Harris run as the backrower made a blindside run from the scrum. Harrison added the extras. As legs began to tire, Tom Willis powered his way over from close-range after a quick pick-up from the ruck. Hodge converted to add to the score line. [56-19]
Australia added a double to round of the match and claim a try-bonus point, the first coming through Isaac Lucas who instigated the move, but it was captain McReight who pounced over to score. Ben Donaldson converted.The Wallabies finished strongly as Carlo Tizzano grabbed their fifth. Converted by Donaldson. [56-33]
