#9 kieran hardy wales u20s (proof)

World Rugby U20’s Championship Italy 2015

Wales U20’s

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#9 Kieran Hardy

2015 World Rugby Under-20 Championship Italy

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2015 World U20 Championship: 2 -22 June 2015, Italy

Wales 10-19 France (2nd June 2015, Stadio San Michele, Calvisano)

Wales Under-20’s were beaten by France in their opening World Rugby U20 Championship game in Italy.

Early tries from Arthur Bonneval and Thomas Ramos gave France a 12-3 lead at half-time.

Les Bleuets extended their lead with a fine team score from Lucas Blanc in the second half. Garyn Smith crossed for Wales, who put their opponents under pressure late in the game, but France held on for victory. Wales’ next match is against England on Saturday, 6 June. France won 27-5 when they faced Wales in the Six Nations in February, and they made a confident start at Calvisano’s Stadio San Michele. Wing Bonneval scored the first try after an early spell of pressure and, with 13 minutes gone, full-back Ramos touched down in the corner. Ramos converted his own score, before fly-half Daniel Jones claimed Wales’ first points with a penalty. France stretched their lead to 19-3 early in the second half as wing Blanc finished off a flowing team move, but Wales gave themselves hope as centre Smith barged over from close range. Wales attacked willingly in the closing stages of the game, but they were thwarted by a resolute French side

England 30-16 Wales (6th June 2015, Stadio San Michele, Calvisano)

Slow first half costs Wales shot at Rugby World Championship glory 22:11, 6 June 2015 report by Gareth Griffiths Wales slipped to a 22-0 first-half deficit and never recovered despite an improved second-half performance as England picked up a bonus point win. Wales had defeated England in the Six Nations in Colwyn Bay but there was to be no repeat.Wales made the worst possible start when Adam Beard caught the kick-off but his side were counter rucked off the ball and flanker Ollie Griffiths gave away a penalty for not rolling away. England outside-half Rory Jennings slotted over the penalty. Wales responded with a smart scrum move that saw scrum-half Tomos Williams break through the England defense only for England full-back Aaron Morris to stop hopes of a Welsh try with a deliberate knock-on.

New Zealand referee Brendon Pickerill showed Morris a yellow card but decided on a penalty rather than a penalty try despite Wales having men on the outside. Wales gave away a couple of penalty and 14-man England proved more clinical from their first attacking driving lineout and center Max Clark dived over after wing George Perkins was held up just short. Jennings converted.

Wales suffered another blow when No.8 Harrison Keddie was forced off with a shoulder injury and replaced by Jon Fox, while captain Rory Thornton temporarily went off with a blood injury with Seb Davies coming on. The change in personnel didn’t stop the indiscipline, with Griffiths the main culprit, as they continued to give away penalties and that enabled the English to lay the platform for wing Howard Packman to canter over following some woeful Welsh defense. Wales were again guilty of naivety after Thornton gave away a penalty on their own line. The Welsh youngsters failed to respond to a quickly taken tap penalty from Stuart Townsend who dived over and Jennings converted.

Wales finally scored their first points after 31 minutes when Blues outside-half Jarrod Evans slotted over a penalty. England were dominating the kicking game as Jennings expertly utilized the elements which created the pressure for Scarlets flanker Tom Phillips to concede a penalty under his own posts with the England outside-half slotting the kick. Wales grabbed their first try just before the interval through Ospreys center Watkin when he stripped hooker Jack Walker of possession and strolled over for a try Evans converted as England led 25-10 at the break.Thornton’s side started the second-half strongly with second Davies penalty to reduce the gap to 12 points as England looked rattled for the first time in the game although the Welsh lineout struggled to function. Newport Gwent Dragons flanker Griffiths was become more prominent and launched a counter-attack with England full-back Morris again getting in the way but this time the ball went back. Griffiths forced England to give away a penalty which Evans missed after replacement back-rower Fox was forced off the field. Wales were far more competitive at the breakdown and structured in attack in the second-half as they kept possession England gave away penalties with Evans reducing the deficit to nine points. But the decision to go for the three points halted the momentum and England struck back with some set-piece dominance as their strong scrum forced Wales to give away a penalty before No.8 Sam Skinner was driven over from the ensuing lineout Skinner was denied a second score with a forward pass before Scarlets flanker Tom Phillips was yellow-carded for a professional foul.

Wales 66-3 Japan (10th June 2015, Stadio Luigi Zaffanel-

la, Viadana)

Wales ran in 10 tries as they thrashed Japan to secure their first win of the 2015 World U20 Championship.

Joshua Adams and Elis-Wyn Benham scored two tries apiece as Wales secured their spot in the fifth to eighth place play-offs.

Dafydd Howells, Liam Belcher, Adam Beard, Seb Davies, Tom Phillips and Jarrod Evans also crossed for tries. Wales headed

into their final pool stage skirmish knowing that only a bonus point win would secure them a 5-8th place play-off spot, having lost their two previous encounters with England and France.

The young Welsh boys have been criticized in the tournament for poor opening displays and ball retention and immediately the handling errors allowed some early pressure to be applied from Japan which lead to a penalty. Kanai converted the penalty into points from in front of the posts and Japan took the lead for the first, and only time in the game. Captain Rory Thornton led the charge with an interception but didn’t have the legs to make the distance and was hauled down a few metres short of the line. It took a few phases camped on Japan’s line before Jarrod Evans exploited a gap and sailed through untouched to score Wales’ opening try. The fly half converted his own try and took his team into the lead. A well-executed play from the backs saw Elis-Wyn Benham race along the touch line to score on his debut with Evans slotting a difficult conversion from touch.A series of sublime offloads and great support play saw Scarlets’ back row Tom Phillips receive the final pass from fellow Scarlet Josh Adams before diving over the line and grounding the ball for Wales’ third try in twenty minutes. Things went from bad to worse for Japan as openside flanker Kosuke Urabe was shown the yellow card for not using his arms in the tackle and it wasn’t long until Benham scores his second of the evening, ensuring that crucial bonus point for his team. As the first half drew to a close, it was Joshua Adams that extended the lead with a try in the corner, showing his pace after a stolen ball led to a sharp counter attack from Tom Williams and Ollie Griffiths. Half time score read 33-3 in favour of the boys in red. It took only until the fifth minute in the second half before Welsh lock Adam Beard stretched his legs to cross the whitewash followed by another Evans conversion. Two minutes later and the good work of centres Smith and Watkin took their team from their own 22 deep into Japan’s half before Benham gathered a cross field kick, offloaded to Howells, who then dashed over for the try in the corner; taking Wales up to 45 points within seven minutes. The next ten minutes saw Scarlets scrumhalf Kieran Hardy, hooker Torin Myhill and fly half Dan Jones trot onto the pitch and continue with the onslaught. However, it was Liam Belcher that claimed the next try, running onto Benham’s in-field grubber kick and grounding the ball over the try line to take Wales up to 50 points with little under fifteen minutes remaining in the game. Daniel Jones converted and the young fly half was called upon again to convert another try only five minutes later as Seb Davies scored an unorthodox try, planting the ball against the base of the upright. Jones, after being heavily involved in the play,

slotted his third conversion after fellow Scarlet Josh Adams raced they made it back-to-back wins.

Wales will now face Australia in the fifth place play-off on Saturover for a 77th minute try on the left wing. day.

A rare, late raid into Welsh territory almost saw the Japanese force their way over the try line but the solid defense denied them and the game ended with Wales comfortable winners at 66-3. The Wales U20 23-28 Australia (20th June 2015, Stadio Luigi bonus point win ensures a spot in the 5-8th Play-Offs.

Zaffanella, Viadana)

Deegan with an easy conversion.

Wales, however, responded positively, moving the ball well to give wing Joshua Adams a dash down the left touchline for an unconverted try. Australia were looking increasingly dominant and confirmation came with another powerful forward effort that ended with the raw but effective second row Lhab LealaiauloloWales Under-20 ended their World U20 Championship campaign Tui crashing through a pile of bodies for the Wallabies’ second try Ireland 12-22 Wales (15th June 2015, Stadio Luigi Zaf- in sixth place as they were beaten by Australia in the fifth-place skilfully converted from wide out by Deegan. Wales’ supporters in the Viadana crowd were given encouragement by a run out of play-off. Australia led 14-5 at half-time thanks to tries from fanella, Viadana) Wales seal second consecutive World Rugby U20 Championship Adam Korczyk and Lukhan Lealaiaulolo-Tui, while Wales scored defence by Dafydd Howells that gained some 50 metres before win as they beat Ireland 22-12 in Viadana - 21:30, 15 June 2015 through Josh Adams. Folau Faingaa and Jonah Placid stretched the Australian defence was able to hunt down the Ospreys’ full back. Then when wing Elis-Wyn Benham escaped down the right Three first-half tries saw Allan Lewis’ men stamp their mark Australia’s lead, only for Elis Wyn Benham to cross for Wales. on proceedings and they’ll now face Australia in the fifth place They scored another through Lloyd Lewis, but Australia held on wing a try looked a possibility but again the Australian defense reacted quickly to save a dangerous situation leaving the men in play-off match on Saturday . Wales Under-20 produced the best to win. Australia started strongly and scored the game’s opengold 14-5 ahead at the break. Wales had a chance in the second performance of their World Rugby U20 Championship to date as ing try through number eight Korczyk, converted by Andrew half to eat into Australia’s lead only for Daniel Jones to pull his they downed Ireland 22 to12 in Viadana.

Deegan. shot at goal wide of the posts. But after another period of terriAfter opening defeats to France and England, Wales thrashed Wales responded as wing Adams dived over in the corner, only Japan in their final pool game and took that momentum into the for Australia to replenish their lead as lock Lealaiaulolo-Tui pow- torial dominance Wales were awarded a penalty after a series of forward surges and this time Jones made no mistake with his kick game with their Six Nations rivals. And a quick start by Allan ered over from a rolling maul. to take Wales within a converted try of their southern hemisphere Lewis’ men meant Wales were never in danger of being caught That left Wales trailing 14-5 at half-time, though they chipped opponents.The momentum was now swinging towards Wales as they went into the break 22-0 up. A score with just a couple of away at that deficit with two penalties from Daniel Jones. and Welsh fortunes were further improved with the sin-binning minutes on the clock from full-back Dafydd Howells immediate- Tries from front-rower Faingaa and player of the tournament of Australia left wing Campbell Magnay. Wales used their man nominee Placid put Australia in control, but Wales refused to ly put Ireland on the back foot and although promising Cardiff yield. Benham scored out wide and Australia’s Campbell Magnay advantage to pile further pressure on Australia resulting in a Blues pivot Jarrod Evans was unable to convert, it soon got penalty goal from Jones. Then from a darting run by scrum half even better. Lock Seb Davies grabbed a second try, which Evans was sent off for a second yellow card. converted and the lead was soon extended further as WorcesWales’ Lewis touched down for a late try but Australia withstood Tomos Williams, the supporting Ollie Griffiths sprinted to the line only to be hauled down a metre short. That seemed to give ter-bound winger Joshua Adams dived over for a third.Evans con- the pressure to claim victory. Tries from Josh Adams and Elisverted both scores and added a penalty while Ireland fly-half Joey Wyn Benham and two Daniel Jones penalties wasn’t enough on Australia encouragement. The young Wallabies surged back and the day and Wales ended the tournament in sixth place overall, from a line-out after a penalty, they used their powerful forwards Carbery, who was unsuccessful with a penalty attempt, wasted his side’s only chance of points. And despite Wales forward Tom one higher than last year. There have been some excellent games to drive at the Wales line, ending with replacement prop Folau Phillips seeing yellow, Ireland weren’t able to take advantage as in past junior World Championships between these two sides and Fainga stretching out for his side’s third try, the conversion by Deegan putting Australia ahead by 21-11. The score line became they turned around without a point to their name. this match was no exception. Both teams put width on the ball With a significant deficit to overturn in the second 40 minutes, and both attempted to keep the game dynamic. However, despite worse for Wales after Australia took charge of the forward battle Ireland needed a score and quickly. They got just that, grabbing scoring two penalties in the third quarter, the young Welsh side with repeated surges to the line before releasing the ball to the the first try of the second half through Howells’ opposite number was unable to turn their territorial advantage in that period into backs for full back Jonathan Placid to force his way over on the narrow side, Deegan once again adding the conversion.

Ciaran Gaffney. Carbery added the extras to give his side a sniff tries and in the event that proved costly. It was Australia who but Ireland, playing in their change strip of white, knew they needed more.

Evans then missed with a penalty attempt for Wales as the game went a long period without a score.

Changes from both sides didn’t help the flow of the encounter but when Wales skipper Ollie Griffiths, leading the side in place of the injured Rory Thornton, saw yellow, Ireland sensed an opportunity. Scrum-half Charlie Rock sniped over the line with eight minutes remaining to give Ireland a sniff but despite having a second man spend 10 minutes in the bin, Lewis’ side held on as

finished the stronger using their big and mobile forwards to do the softening work before releasing their backs. “We couldn’t cope Wales refused to capitulate and after good work in midfield and with the power of their forwards early in the game,” said defence then a switch of direction in the attack, wing Elis-Wyn Benham coach Richard Hodges. “But the boys have progressed well during was given space to cross for an unconverted try in the corner.

Suddenly Wales seemed to have rediscovered themselves and just the tournament and from the starting team today nine will be eligible for next year. We have a good platform to build on.” Wales on full time Owen Watkin and Joshua Adams combined to give were under early pressure from the powerful Wallaby Under 20 replacement Lloyd Lewis a try under the posts, Jones’ conversion the final points of the game. side who made their forward strength tell with a try from two quick phases of ball and a clinical finish by number 8 Adam gpfoto 34 Korczyk touching down under the posts leaving fly half Andrew

Wales Josh Adams, Keagan Bale, Adam Beard, Liam Belcher, Leon Brown, Seb Davies, Ryan Elias, Jarrod Evans, Jon Fox, Luke Garrett, Ollie Griffiths, Kieran Hardy, Dafydd Howells, Dan Jones, Joe Jones, Harri Keddie, Harri Keddie, Lloyd Lewis, Tyler Morgan, Torin Myhill, Tom Phillips, Garyn Smith, Lee Taylor, Joe Thomas, Rory Thornton, Owen Watkin, James Whittingham, Tomos Williams

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