Australia U20 vs England U20: Players Who Impressed
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In a tightly contested affair between the England and Australia ended in a stalemate at the Athlone Stadium earlier today. Both sides tried to out muscle each other but had to settle for a 22-22 score line.
While the game couldn’t be decided with the score line, here were some of the standout players on the day.
Chandler Cunningham-South - England:
The versatile London-Irish forward started in the eight-man position and was awarded the man of the match honours for his stellar performance. However, a ten-minute break in the sin bin may have dented what may have been a clinical performance for the young Brit. Off the back off 11 carries, Cunningham-South gained 96 metres, beating three defenders, completing seven passes and tackles, one clean line break and three offloads.
Nathan Jibulu - England:
The 20-year-old Harlequins hooker not only got on the score board with his try in the 42nd minute, he also assisted with the game’s opening try with an offload to scrum-half Charlie Bracken in the opening three minutes. In a performance also worthy for the man of the match award, Jibulu gained 66 metres off four carries completing three passes and two line breaks. Jibulu was also very efficient on the defensive side completing 13 tackles, the third most of any player on the field.
Jack Bowen - Australia:
The Junior Wallabies and Waratah’s fly-half Jack Bowen had a stellar game with the boot, converting three out of four field goals (one penalty, two tries) to end on 75% kicking percentage. Bowen’s passing was also efficient completing 33 passes, while gaining 45 metres off 7 carries, beating two defenders and one line break.
Harry Mclaughlin-Phillips - Australia:
The Reds young prospect came on in the 73rd minute and scored the equalising try with three minutes to go. With only seven minutes of game time, Mclaughlin-Phillips completed one line-break, five carries all while gaining 30 metres. Mclaughlin-Phillips was not done there however, beating two defenders, completing six passes while adding four offloads (more than any other player on the field.
