Wales finish 6th but Archie shows promise

WALES U20s finished in sixth place in the World Rugby U20 Championship, concluding their campaign with a defeat against Australia.

Despite this, the team has shown significant progress since their disappointing performance in the Six Nations, exceeding expectations in South Africa. Several players have displayed great potential, including Pembrokeshire’s own Archie Hughes, who is expected to receive playing time at the regional level in the upcoming season amid impending financial challenges for professional rugby in Wales.

The match against Australia saw Wales demonstrating resilience against a formidable opponent. Although they managed to score five tries, their lack of clinical execution in critical moments proved costly. Moreover, the strain of playing multiple games within a short period seemed to have taken its toll, as their opponents crossed the try line nine times.

Australia took an early lead with an impressive display of coordination among their back-line players, dismantling the Welsh defense and allowing Henry O’Donnell to score the opening try. However, Wales responded with a sustained period of pressure, during which replacement second-row Mackenzie Martin came tantalizingly close to scoring their first try, only to have the ball stripped from his grasp just as he reached out to touch it.

Finally, Wales reaped the rewards of their efforts when Louis Hennessey delivered a flat pass, enabling Martin to burst through a gap. The towering lock then found Bryn Bradley, who swiftly passed to hooker Lewis Lloyd, resulting in a try for Wales.

Despite this resurgence, Australia’s forwards quickly regained control, with second-row Toby Macpherson adopting a direct approach to forcefully cross the try line from close range. It didn’t take long for Australia to extend their lead further, with Liam Bowron touching down after a well-executed driving lineout. Whenever Wales managed to string together phases and spread the ball wide, they posed a significant threat to the Australian defense, with fullback Harri Houston causing consistent chaos. Unfortunately, Wales’ momentum was repeatedly undermined by a series of unforced errors, impeding their progress.

Wales missed a crucial opportunity just before halftime when No. 8 Morgan Morse was held up over the try line, resulting in Australia leading 15-5 at the break. The second half began disastrously for Wales as O’Donnell broke through their defense once again, securing his second try. However, Wales swiftly retaliated by launching an attack down the blindside, with an impressive long pass from Dan Edwards finding Llien Morgan, who touched down in the far left-hand corner. The Wallabies responded with two tries in the space of seven minutes.

As Australia effortlessly evaded numerous tackles, Wales began to show signs of exhaustion. A display of seamless handling allowed Macpherson to score his second try, followed by an exceptional play where No. 8 Leafi Talataina broke through Wales’ defense from his own half. The ball swiftly passed through multiple hands, ultimately reaching captain Teddy Wilson, who sprinted unopposed to score another try.

Australia shifted into cruise mode, with wing Darby Lancaster embarking on a 60-meter break that culminated in Wilson touching down for his second try of the match. To their credit, Wales refused to surrender and capitalized on a chip through from Edwards, allowing Morgan to secure another try. Additionally, the Ospreys’ outsidehalf, Ryan Woodman, benefited from a pass by Edwards, resulting in another score for Wales. Further Australian tries were scored by Harrison Usher and Ned Slack-Smith. Nevertheless, Wales had the final say in the match, with a display of slick interplay between Hennessey and Harri Williams leading to a try for scrum-half Hennessey.

Despite their ultimate defeat, Wales displayed determination throughout the match, showcasing both their progress and the potential for future success.