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grousehouse
Bob McCowan (2)
Highlights from Wales A game: http://supporters.wru.co.uk/matchdaytv/?play=media&id=16925
Jaghond
Ted Fahey (11)
Half time in match vs Wales
Score apparently 0 - 14, afetr a penalty try ( from a rolling maul presumably close to the line) & intercept try......
Big backs & ferocious forwards is how the man on the scene described the Welsh team....
Penaltycount against the lads in Gold slowly increasing as well.
Doesn't forbode well for the second half......
Score apparently 0 - 14, afetr a penalty try ( from a rolling maul presumably close to the line) & intercept try......
Big backs & ferocious forwards is how the man on the scene described the Welsh team....
Penaltycount against the lads in Gold slowly increasing as well.
Doesn't forbode well for the second half......
Jaghond
Ted Fahey (11)
Wales now up 19-0 after a sweeping backline move sees them score in the corner.
A couple of penalties against the Aus boys, however, they finally get their own penalty , kick downfield gain 40 metres & then get pinged for not throwing the ball in straight.
Maybe they aren' used to playing at night under lights ??
Finally, Aus score (Alex Mafi ?) after sustained attack on the line - & Deegan converts from the sideline 7-19
A couple of penalties against the Aus boys, however, they finally get their own penalty , kick downfield gain 40 metres & then get pinged for not throwing the ball in straight.
Maybe they aren' used to playing at night under lights ??
Finally, Aus score (Alex Mafi ?) after sustained attack on the line - & Deegan converts from the sideline 7-19
Jaghond
Ted Fahey (11)
Summary of last couple of tweets from Wales as the match nears the final whistle...........
Reserves on for Aus...Linesman in, another penalty against Aus; penalty kick misses, but they get another penalty a few moments later; Deegan rushes up on the 10, but he gets the ball to the 12 who scores under the posts
12-26. Full time.
With the UK teams being out of school for 6 months, and many in Academies, there is a noticeable difference between the Aus boys and their counterparts.
A more complete match report will no doubt appear in due course.
On to England next week.
Reserves on for Aus...Linesman in, another penalty against Aus; penalty kick misses, but they get another penalty a few moments later; Deegan rushes up on the 10, but he gets the ball to the 12 who scores under the posts
12-26. Full time.
With the UK teams being out of school for 6 months, and many in Academies, there is a noticeable difference between the Aus boys and their counterparts.
A more complete match report will no doubt appear in due course.
On to England next week.
@The Rock, there is a thread to whinge about Selectors Bias.
Jones isn't twiddling thumbs. He is on the big silver bird as we type. He chose not to go to Schoolies, and has been keeping fit with various rugby programmes he is involved in. He should slot in easily, and will also be good cover for Kellaway at Fullback if the injury is worse than initially thought, or if it flares up.
Match Officials for Tests v ENG and WAL are/were:
Schools/Under-18
Wales Under-18 vs Australian Schools at The Gnoll, Neath
Referee: David Procter (England)
Assistant referees: John Mason (Wales), Stuart Vaudin (Wales)
England Under-18 vs Australian Schools at Harrow School, London
Referee: Ben Whitehouse (Wales)
Assistant referees: Nick Cockburn (England), Philip Bowers (England)
Source: http://www.rugby365.com/article/57391-referees-to-1-december-2013
Jones isn't twiddling thumbs. He is on the big silver bird as we type. He chose not to go to Schoolies, and has been keeping fit with various rugby programmes he is involved in. He should slot in easily, and will also be good cover for Kellaway at Fullback if the injury is worse than initially thought, or if it flares up.
Match Officials for Tests v ENG and WAL are/were:
Schools/Under-18
Wales Under-18 vs Australian Schools at The Gnoll, Neath
Referee: David Procter (England)
Assistant referees: John Mason (Wales), Stuart Vaudin (Wales)
England Under-18 vs Australian Schools at Harrow School, London
Referee: Ben Whitehouse (Wales)
Assistant referees: Nick Cockburn (England), Philip Bowers (England)
Source: http://www.rugby365.com/article/57391-referees-to-1-december-2013
As I have mentioned many times - it is not an even playing field for that reason.
Our Oz Schools teams do not play other schools teams unless by exception. This year they play against two schools Irish teams - but not for the "test match".
.
Inside Shoulder
Nathan Sharpe (72)
It used to be that the touring team was slightly older than the home team - when the poms came here they had finished their final year of school and we went there we had.
These "academy" boys handed out a lesson to an u19 side here a few years ago.
Our lack of a pathway is showing and will show more.
These "academy" boys handed out a lesson to an u19 side here a few years ago.
Our lack of a pathway is showing and will show more.
A little bit late, but another view from the other side. The Match preview from the WRU website.
Wales Under 18 take on Australian Schools at the Gnoll this evening (Wednesday, 7.15pm) with head coach Allan Lewis urging his players to be adventurous and play without fear.
Lewis fielded an 'A' side against their Australian counterparts last Friday, the young Welsh youngsters victorious 18-15 on that occasion though Lewis insists his charges will need to step up another gear today.
"The side showed a lot of character and commitment especially in our defensive display to win last Friday's A game and that is pleasing because it reflects the spirit in the squad at the moment," said Lewis.
"It showed a clear improvement following our tour to South Africa in the summer. For example, when we were in front in the final minutes against England in August, our discipline let us down whereas on Friday our discipline and defence held up very well.
"In attack, we showed glimpses of the team's potential on Friday but we need to be more positive and creative if we are to score tries and win the full international.
"It's a huge experience for our players to come up against southern hemisphere sides and Australia in particular differ from many of the northern hemisphere sides we play against regularly. They look to play the game at a quick tempo and will always cause problems for our defence."
Lewis has developed a playing philosophy with Wales Under 18 which prioritises challenging the opposition with the ball in hand.
"International rugby at this level is not purely about winning games, it's about developing players for the future. If players are confident with the ball in hand at a young age, they will have more skills at their disposal as they move into senior rugby," he added.
"We don't have a large pool of players in Wales so we must maximise all the potential and raw talent available to us.
"Although we won on Friday, we have got to be more adventurous and play without fear of losing if we are to come out on top on Wednesday."
Wales Under 18 v Australian Schools
Wednesday 27 November, 7.15pm, The Gnoll (Tickets £3 adults, Under 16s £2)
Morgan Williams (RGC/ Llandrillo Coll/ Caernarfon);
Rhys Geally (Ospreys / YG Gwyr / Pontarddulais),
Garyn Smith (Blues/ Cardiff Met/ Pontypridd),
Tyler Morgan (Dragons/ Caerleon/ Newport),
Josh Adams (Scarlets/ Sir Gar/ Carm Ath);
Luke Price (Ospreys/ Maesydderwen/ Abercrave),
Tom Williams (Blues/ Treorchy Comp/ Pontypridd);
Keegan Bale (Dragons/ Coleg Gwent/ Caerleon),
Ryan Elias (Scarlets/ Sir Gar/ Carm Ath),
Alex Jeffries (Dragons/ Coleg Gwent/ Newport),
Joe Davies (Dragons/ Newport High/ Bedwas),
Matthew Dodd (Ospreys/ Olchfa/ Dunvant),
Jordan Viggers (Blues/ St David's / St Peter's),
Ollie Griffiths (Dragons/ Newport),
Jon Fox (capt, Ospreys/ Gower Coll/ Swansea).
Replacements:
Liam Belcher (Blues/ Porth County / Pontypridd),
Harrison Walsh (Ospreys/ Bishopgore / Mumbles),
Leon Brown (Dragons/ Newport High),
Seb Davies (Blues/ Coleg y Cymoedd / Pentyrch),
Harri Keddie (Dragons/ Coleg Gwent / Caerleon),
Dan Brooks (Ospreys/ Cardiff Uni/ Swansea),
Dan Jones (Scarlets/ Sir Gar / Carm Quins),
Joe Thomas (Ospreys/ Neath Port Talbot Coll / Morriston)
Australian Schools go on to play Ospreys Under 18 on Sunday (The Brewery Field, Bridgend 12.30pm) after the regional team won the right to play the touring side earlier in the season.
Source: http://www.wru.co.uk/eng/news/28979.php
Wales Under 18 take on Australian Schools at the Gnoll this evening (Wednesday, 7.15pm) with head coach Allan Lewis urging his players to be adventurous and play without fear.
Lewis fielded an 'A' side against their Australian counterparts last Friday, the young Welsh youngsters victorious 18-15 on that occasion though Lewis insists his charges will need to step up another gear today.
"The side showed a lot of character and commitment especially in our defensive display to win last Friday's A game and that is pleasing because it reflects the spirit in the squad at the moment," said Lewis.
"It showed a clear improvement following our tour to South Africa in the summer. For example, when we were in front in the final minutes against England in August, our discipline let us down whereas on Friday our discipline and defence held up very well.
"In attack, we showed glimpses of the team's potential on Friday but we need to be more positive and creative if we are to score tries and win the full international.
"It's a huge experience for our players to come up against southern hemisphere sides and Australia in particular differ from many of the northern hemisphere sides we play against regularly. They look to play the game at a quick tempo and will always cause problems for our defence."
Lewis has developed a playing philosophy with Wales Under 18 which prioritises challenging the opposition with the ball in hand.
"International rugby at this level is not purely about winning games, it's about developing players for the future. If players are confident with the ball in hand at a young age, they will have more skills at their disposal as they move into senior rugby," he added.
"We don't have a large pool of players in Wales so we must maximise all the potential and raw talent available to us.
"Although we won on Friday, we have got to be more adventurous and play without fear of losing if we are to come out on top on Wednesday."
Wales Under 18 v Australian Schools
Wednesday 27 November, 7.15pm, The Gnoll (Tickets £3 adults, Under 16s £2)
Morgan Williams (RGC/ Llandrillo Coll/ Caernarfon);
Rhys Geally (Ospreys / YG Gwyr / Pontarddulais),
Garyn Smith (Blues/ Cardiff Met/ Pontypridd),
Tyler Morgan (Dragons/ Caerleon/ Newport),
Josh Adams (Scarlets/ Sir Gar/ Carm Ath);
Luke Price (Ospreys/ Maesydderwen/ Abercrave),
Tom Williams (Blues/ Treorchy Comp/ Pontypridd);
Keegan Bale (Dragons/ Coleg Gwent/ Caerleon),
Ryan Elias (Scarlets/ Sir Gar/ Carm Ath),
Alex Jeffries (Dragons/ Coleg Gwent/ Newport),
Joe Davies (Dragons/ Newport High/ Bedwas),
Matthew Dodd (Ospreys/ Olchfa/ Dunvant),
Jordan Viggers (Blues/ St David's / St Peter's),
Ollie Griffiths (Dragons/ Newport),
Jon Fox (capt, Ospreys/ Gower Coll/ Swansea).
Replacements:
Liam Belcher (Blues/ Porth County / Pontypridd),
Harrison Walsh (Ospreys/ Bishopgore / Mumbles),
Leon Brown (Dragons/ Newport High),
Seb Davies (Blues/ Coleg y Cymoedd / Pentyrch),
Harri Keddie (Dragons/ Coleg Gwent / Caerleon),
Dan Brooks (Ospreys/ Cardiff Uni/ Swansea),
Dan Jones (Scarlets/ Sir Gar / Carm Quins),
Joe Thomas (Ospreys/ Neath Port Talbot Coll / Morriston)
Australian Schools go on to play Ospreys Under 18 on Sunday (The Brewery Field, Bridgend 12.30pm) after the regional team won the right to play the touring side earlier in the season.
Source: http://www.wru.co.uk/eng/news/28979.php
The Rock
Ward Prentice (10)
Yeah, Its not a case of Twiddling their Thumbs but Why wasn't he there in the First Place ? Taylor the same, should be there as well, another Big Winger and Superbly Fit, Sorry, but they have No Idea and the Results are speaking for themselves
scaraby
Ron Walden (29)
In some respects, a loss (or series of losses) like this can be good for our boys.
In their rugby careers so far, the majority have been in Age Group A teams, Rep Selections and 1st XV's leading a fairly pampered existence. They have been accustomed to winning, and individually performing at a level above their peer group.
They have just come up against a group who have had about 6 months post school in the academies/colts type environment. School 1st XV and rep honours and previous Age Group A reputations count for nothing in that setting. A lot can change in that 6 months, physically and skill wise.
This can be the wake up call for the boys to show how they have to apply themselves in the 1st year or two post school if they are to have any chance of being competitive at U20 Jnr RWC, and what they need to do if they have any desire to go on to Soup and Wob level.
In their rugby careers so far, the majority have been in Age Group A teams, Rep Selections and 1st XV's leading a fairly pampered existence. They have been accustomed to winning, and individually performing at a level above their peer group.
They have just come up against a group who have had about 6 months post school in the academies/colts type environment. School 1st XV and rep honours and previous Age Group A reputations count for nothing in that setting. A lot can change in that 6 months, physically and skill wise.
This can be the wake up call for the boys to show how they have to apply themselves in the 1st year or two post school if they are to have any chance of being competitive at U20 Jnr RWC, and what they need to do if they have any desire to go on to Soup and Wob level.
Im not sure that 26 - 12 with the Welsh being awarded a penalty try, scoring off an intercept and then Aust having a try disallowed is a flogging nor appropriate recognition of the efforts being put in by the boys generally. As per the first match, I get the feeling that there is some dissatisfaction with the interpretation of the laws.
Let's hope they learn from the experience and do better against the Poms next week.
Let's hope they learn from the experience and do better against the Poms next week.
Welsh rugby was once in a shocking state of affairs and I can recall going to see Wales play NSW at Hombush where they lost 73-3 or something like that.
They now have clear pathways to develop their talent and the product of that development is now showing as we recently saw with the number of Welsh players in the British Lions.
My mate, who I grew up with, has a son (Tyler Morgan) in the Welsh side and it has been interesting following his development over the years. They are monitored from U12's upwards and taken under the umbrella of major clubs at U16's.
The WRU and major club web sites show a clear pathway that involve the schools. Can't wait for the day that something major happens here.
Yet there are plenty of posts on these threads saying that it is wrong to passively monitor talent from U14 onwards, and actively earmark and manage them from U16 on.
Many say too early. Some say too late.
They are related. I think it's his cousin
no9
Ted Fahey (11)
HJ,
You might want to forward this passage on to the sycophantic selection chiefs who merely frank the needs of the dominant schoolmasters and use past schoolboy representation as the criteria for further honours, even allowing for the debacles that the previous couple of U20 campaigns have delivered.
The WRU Match report from the Test: http://www.wru.co.uk/eng/news/28984.php
Allan Lewis' Wales Under 18 side outscored Australia Schools by four tries to two in a 26-12 victory at The Gnoll.
The success was built on a superb first half performance, Wales leading 14-0 at the break and extending that advantage to 19-0 soon after the interval.
A score from centre Garyn Smith and a penalty try, both converted by fly half Luke Price, had seen Wales pull well clear and when wing Josh Adams added a third, Wales looked to have victory in the bag.
Up till that point, Australia had shown very little with Andrew Deegan's missed penalty their only chance of points. But after going 19-0 down, they showed some fight when Wales' Jordan Viggars was yellow carded.
Captain Jack McCalman and fellow backrower Lolo Fakaosilea both touched down and with Deegan adding a conversion, Australia were back in it. After such a good first half performance, defeat would have been inconceivable for Wales and on the stroke of the final whistle, Tyler Morgan made sure of the victory, crashing over under the posts for Wales' fourth try of the day.
After a ferocious opening 10 minutes, in which both teams laid down early physical markers, it was Australia who had the first chance of points. The Welsh forwards were penalised for offside but Deegan, from 30 metres, saw his penalty effort clip the wrong side of the right hand upright.
With both teams keen to throw the ball around, the pristine surface at The Gnoll couldn't have been better suited to free-flowing rugby. And while Wales saw more of the ball in the opening 10 minutes, the final pass just didn't quite go to hand. Scrum half Tom Williams' slick service was a notable feature but aside from two superb breaks from wing Rhys Geally, Wales initially failed to breach the Wallaby defence.
While a try failed to arrive at first, Wales deserved credit for their patience in attack and they were soon rewarded when Smith opened the scoring. When it came, it was a simple but nonetheless impressive try, the Wales centre making a clean line break and showing an impressive turn of foot to touch down under the posts. Price added the simple conversion for what was a fully deserved 7-0 lead.
With the scoreboard now ticking over, the game settled down but it was the home side who continued to do all the attacking. Wales camped themselves inside the Australian half and proceeded to add a second try. Price decided to put a kickable penalty into the corner and after a huge surge from the Welsh pack, the Australian eight retreated at a rapid rate of knots. Referee David Proctor decided the Wallabies were using illegal means to stop the Welsh momentum and to some surprise, ran under the posts to award a penalty try.
Price again added the extras and with Australia offering very little in attack, Wales took their 14-0 advantage into the break.
The start of the second half was as intense as the first, but with Australia offering far more in attack. Wales though, looked like the more likely to score. From a re-set scrum on the Australian 22, Wales looked unlucky to be penalised but with captain Jon Fox and the rest of the forwards laying a solid platform, the Welsh backs did the rest. Adams added a third try, skipping through in the left corner though Price was awry with his most difficult kick of the night.
At 19-0 down, Australia needed a response and they needed it quickly. To their credit, they produced just that and in double quick time, were soon back in the game. After finally gaining some territory, the Wallabies pounded the Wales line with the pressure eventually seeing Viggars yellow carded. With a man advantage, McCalman was then bundled over from a forward drive and giant flanker Fakaosilea, who drove his side on relentlessly, made the most of a giant overlap. Deegan converted the first of those tries and after total Welsh dominance for a little less than an hour, there were now just seven points in the game.
With a fight on their hands, Wales were now on the back foot. But the sign of a good team is how they react to adversity and Lewis' men showed plenty of character to close out the game. Price put a penalty effort wide but with Wales having most of the territory, the fly half made amends.
From first phase ball, he darted through the Australian defence and found Morgan, who impressed the watching Shaun Edwards with his strong running, steaming up on his left shoulder.
And when Price made the pass, there was no stopping the Dragons man as he made his way to the line for the decisive score. The conversion was added to seal what was a hard-fought but deserved Welsh victory.
Scorers:
Wales: Tries: Smith, Penalty, Adams, Morgan; Convs: Price (3)
Australia: Tries: McCalman, Fakaosilea; Convs: Deegan
Allan Lewis' Wales Under 18 side outscored Australia Schools by four tries to two in a 26-12 victory at The Gnoll.
The success was built on a superb first half performance, Wales leading 14-0 at the break and extending that advantage to 19-0 soon after the interval.
A score from centre Garyn Smith and a penalty try, both converted by fly half Luke Price, had seen Wales pull well clear and when wing Josh Adams added a third, Wales looked to have victory in the bag.
Up till that point, Australia had shown very little with Andrew Deegan's missed penalty their only chance of points. But after going 19-0 down, they showed some fight when Wales' Jordan Viggars was yellow carded.
Captain Jack McCalman and fellow backrower Lolo Fakaosilea both touched down and with Deegan adding a conversion, Australia were back in it. After such a good first half performance, defeat would have been inconceivable for Wales and on the stroke of the final whistle, Tyler Morgan made sure of the victory, crashing over under the posts for Wales' fourth try of the day.
After a ferocious opening 10 minutes, in which both teams laid down early physical markers, it was Australia who had the first chance of points. The Welsh forwards were penalised for offside but Deegan, from 30 metres, saw his penalty effort clip the wrong side of the right hand upright.
With both teams keen to throw the ball around, the pristine surface at The Gnoll couldn't have been better suited to free-flowing rugby. And while Wales saw more of the ball in the opening 10 minutes, the final pass just didn't quite go to hand. Scrum half Tom Williams' slick service was a notable feature but aside from two superb breaks from wing Rhys Geally, Wales initially failed to breach the Wallaby defence.
While a try failed to arrive at first, Wales deserved credit for their patience in attack and they were soon rewarded when Smith opened the scoring. When it came, it was a simple but nonetheless impressive try, the Wales centre making a clean line break and showing an impressive turn of foot to touch down under the posts. Price added the simple conversion for what was a fully deserved 7-0 lead.
With the scoreboard now ticking over, the game settled down but it was the home side who continued to do all the attacking. Wales camped themselves inside the Australian half and proceeded to add a second try. Price decided to put a kickable penalty into the corner and after a huge surge from the Welsh pack, the Australian eight retreated at a rapid rate of knots. Referee David Proctor decided the Wallabies were using illegal means to stop the Welsh momentum and to some surprise, ran under the posts to award a penalty try.
Price again added the extras and with Australia offering very little in attack, Wales took their 14-0 advantage into the break.
The start of the second half was as intense as the first, but with Australia offering far more in attack. Wales though, looked like the more likely to score. From a re-set scrum on the Australian 22, Wales looked unlucky to be penalised but with captain Jon Fox and the rest of the forwards laying a solid platform, the Welsh backs did the rest. Adams added a third try, skipping through in the left corner though Price was awry with his most difficult kick of the night.
At 19-0 down, Australia needed a response and they needed it quickly. To their credit, they produced just that and in double quick time, were soon back in the game. After finally gaining some territory, the Wallabies pounded the Wales line with the pressure eventually seeing Viggars yellow carded. With a man advantage, McCalman was then bundled over from a forward drive and giant flanker Fakaosilea, who drove his side on relentlessly, made the most of a giant overlap. Deegan converted the first of those tries and after total Welsh dominance for a little less than an hour, there were now just seven points in the game.
With a fight on their hands, Wales were now on the back foot. But the sign of a good team is how they react to adversity and Lewis' men showed plenty of character to close out the game. Price put a penalty effort wide but with Wales having most of the territory, the fly half made amends.
From first phase ball, he darted through the Australian defence and found Morgan, who impressed the watching Shaun Edwards with his strong running, steaming up on his left shoulder.
And when Price made the pass, there was no stopping the Dragons man as he made his way to the line for the decisive score. The conversion was added to seal what was a hard-fought but deserved Welsh victory.
Scorers:
Wales: Tries: Smith, Penalty, Adams, Morgan; Convs: Price (3)
Australia: Tries: McCalman, Fakaosilea; Convs: Deegan
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