Wales U20s secure dramatic victory
The Wales U20s team achieved a notable victory over the Junior Wallabies in their Junior World Championship play-off semi-final in Tbilisi. The match concluded with a score of 38-36 in favour of Wales. This win marks the first time in eight years that Wales has beaten Australia at this level, and the first time they have beaten a southern hemisphere team since 2019.
The Welsh side, led by coach Richard Whiffin, saw tries from Rhys Cummings, Osian Darwin-Lewis, and Deian Gwynne. A penalty try also contributed to their score, alongside Carwyn Leggatt-Jones’s 11 points from kicks. Despite being outscored by six tries to five, Wales managed to secure the win.
The closing moments of the match were particularly dramatic. In the 79th minute, with only two points separating the teams, Australia’s Jonty Fowler appeared to score a try that would have given his side the lead. However, a TMO review revealed a knock-on by Angus Grover in the build-up, leading to the try being disallowed by referee Robbie Jenkinson.
Following the disallowed try, Wales had to withstand one final passage of play. Despite a 20-minute red card issued to replacement Luke Evans earlier, scrum-half Sion Davies kicked the ball out of play, confirming the Welsh victory and sparking celebrations. Coach Whiffin described feeling “all the emotions” during the match’s conclusion, acknowledging both the team’s brilliance and areas for improvement.
The win sets up a clash with Scotland U20s for fifth place in the tournament, scheduled for Friday. This will be an opportunity for Whiffin’s team to achieve their best Junior World Championship finish since 2013. The team’s performance against Australia has been highlighted as a significant scalp, especially after competitive showings against other strong teams in the championship.
Springboks prepare for Wales challenge
Meanwhile, the Springboks are preparing for what they anticipate will be a “tough” challenge when they host Wales in Durban this weekend. Ben-Jason Dixon, a forward for the reigning world champions, emphasised that his team is not underestimating the Welsh side, despite Wales’ recent 35-21 defeat to Argentina.
The Springboks are coming off victories against Scotland (42-28) and England (45-21) in the opening rounds of the Nations Championship. However, Dixon noted that Wales presents a difficult defensive challenge and possesses a strong kicking game. The last Welsh victory against South Africa was in 2022, and the Springboks previously defeated Wales 73-0 in Cardiff last autumn.
Dixon stated that the match against Wales will be a significant challenge and a good game to conclude the first leg of the Nations Championship. He acknowledged that the Welsh team is continually improving and are tough opponents. The Springboks are focused on preparing for the match on Saturday in Durban.
Emerging talent and future prospects
The Wales U20s squad has seen several players gain recognition, with some already securing senior contracts. Carwyn Leggatt-Jones, the outside-half, recently signed his first senior contract with the Scarlets, committing his future until at least 2029. This highlights the development focus within age-grade rugby, where matches serve as auditions for professional opportunities.
The team’s performances throughout the World Championship and the recent Six Nations have contributed to the rising reputations of these young players. While results are important, the development of talent for regional and senior international honours is also a key aspect of age-grade rugby. The victory against Australia is seen as a strong indication of the flourishing next generation of Welsh rugby players.
The squad for the match against Australia included players such as Lewis Edwards, Rhys Cummings, and co-captains Steff Emanuel and Deian Gwynne. Evan Minto from Dragons RFC also impressed during the game. The team faced the challenge without injured players George Tuckley and Tom Cottle, who were replaced by Dylan James and Osian Williams.
Coach Whiffin expressed confidence in his squad, noting that many players are already experiencing senior rugby through competitions like Super Rygbi Cymru or at regional and club levels. The team’s consistent performances, even in matches they haven’t won, demonstrate their competitiveness. The upcoming match against Scotland on Friday afternoon will be another test for this developing squad.
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Source: walesonline.co.uk
As NewsGB's Senior Football Correspondent, Jack Ferndale reports on the Premier League, the EFL and the England national side for readers across the country. He covered north-east football for a regional daily. He holds a degree in Sports Journalism from the University of Sunderland and completed an NCTJ diploma. Jack lives in Sunderland, where he watches lower-league football home and away. “The story is in the squad, not just the starting eleven.”
