Harry Jones will do well in rugby union and I hope that he stays in our code. He is a good lad and has the potential to be a Super Rugby player if he gets through his first few years dealing with Colts and Grade.
If he gets a gig in Sevens it will do him no harm to play on a big stage either.
His ability to punt long distances with both feet and not having to adjust his position to kick off his right foot (his goal kicking foot) is a priceless attribute for a fullback, and would be wasted in the 13-man code. And it would help to be able to play on either wing as well.
He is brave in the tackle and is generous in passing to supporting players.
But let's look at a report on the first game of the tour from someone with the team:
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Match Report – Australian Schools v Wales A U18s
Date: 22/11/13
Venue – Neath Rugby Club, Neath
Clear but cold conditions greeted both teams at kick off for the clash between Australian Schools and Wales A under 18s at Neath Rugby Park.
The Welsh Boys enjoyed early field position due to some aggressive, direct running and some early Australian mistakes with the ball. In the 13th minute, an incisive run from Welsh full back, Morgan Williams, created space for inside centre, Tyler Morgan who evaded two defenders to score the first points of the match. The try was converted by fly half, Dan Jones and Wales A lead 7-0.
Not long after the restart, Wales A were back on the attack gaining field position once again. An Australian mistake leads to a scrum being formed. The Welsh scrum half set up space for a raid down the short side and after linking with support runners, supported well to crash over in the corner. The conversion was unsuccessful but Wales A lead 12 -0.
Australia slowly gained some ascendancy in the match and threatened the Welsh defence on several occasions but it was in the 25th minute when a rampaging Taane Milne shrugged off defenders to score the first try of the tour. Mitchell Third converted the try but Wales A retained the lead at 12-7 as both teams went to the break.
From the kick off, it was Australia’s turn to control possession and generate pressure. Following some good controlled play from the forwards, fly half Mitchell Third found himself in space to score just left of the uprights.
Unfortunately, Mitchell was unable to convert his own try but the score was all locked up at 12-12.
Wales A gained field position from the restart and applied great pressure on the Australian defence once again. Australian back rower, David Morris was yellow carded for a careless tackle and the team was left a Man down.
From the penalty, Welsh fly half Dan Jones was successful with the kick and Wales A quickly regained the lead 15-12. Australia kicked off and was playing with great enthusiasm and purpose.
A Welsh infringement leads to an Australian penalty within kicking range. Mitchell Third stepped up to the mark and the scores were level at 15-15.
Both teams played entertaining attacking during the back end of the match and it was a penalty kick within range for the Welsh in the 65th minute that would separate the two teams. Wales A kicker, Jones calmly potted the goal and the welsh held on for a well deserved win.
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Another person said that Campbell Magnay tore his hamstring seriously in training and will miss the rest of the tour.
He also said that there were some interesting refereeing decisions.
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