Wales U20s Snatch Victory Over Australia in Thriller
Wales Under-20s claimed a dramatic 38-36 victory over Australia in the Junior World Championship play-off semi-final in Tbilisi on Saturday. Despite being outscored six tries to five, Richard Whiffin's side held on for their first win against the Junior Wallabies in eight years.
Tries from Rhys Cummings (2), Osian Darwin-Lewis, and Deian Gwynne, plus a penalty try and 11 points from Carwyn Leggatt-Jones, secured the win. Wales will now face Scotland for fifth place on Friday, aiming for their best finish since 2013.
The match ended in heart-stopping fashion. With Wales leading 38-36, Australia's Jonty Fowler crossed the line in the 79th minute, seemingly snatching victory. However, a TMO check revealed a knock-on by Angus Grover in the build-up, and referee Robbie Jenkinson disallowed the try. Wales scrum-half Sion Davies then kicked the ball dead to spark celebrations.
Whiffin admitted to feeling "all the emotions" after the match. "I would still be proud of the guys' performance almost regardless of what the result was, it was a bloody good game. But yeah, frustrated that we almost coughed it up," he said. "It's the first time we've beaten a southern hemisphere team since 2019 and this group of lads is getting used to competing with and beating big teams."
Springboks Prepared for Wales Challenge
Springboks forward Ben-Jason Dixon said his side is braced for a "big challenge" when they host Wales in Durban on Saturday. South Africa beat Scotland 42-28 and England 45-21 in the opening rounds of the Nations Championship, while Wales lost 35-21 to Argentina after beating Fiji.
Wales have not beaten South Africa since 2022, and were thumped 73-0 in Cardiff last autumn. However, Dixon warned against complacency. "It's going to be a big challenge. They're just getting better and better, and they're tough guys to play against," he said. "We struggled a little when Scotland got back into it in the second half, and Wales are going to be no different."
Noah Caluori Eyes England Start After Debut Try
Noah Caluori scored a try on his England debut in the 73-8 win over Fiji, but the 19-year-old Saracens wing says his ultimate goal is to start for England. "An assist and a try is good. I gave one to Sladey and he gave one to me, so we're one for one," Caluori said. "The next goal is for me to start. I'm hungry to push, hungry to get better each day."
England captain Jamie George praised Caluori's potential. "The impressive thing with Noah is his ceiling is incredibly high. He is still quite raw, but his appetite to learn, his appetite to get better. He looked very much at home in Test match rugby."
