By Toby Santry
England have given themselves hope of making the World Rugby U20 Championship semi-finals after beating Australia 36-33 in a thriller from Verona. England had led by 19 points just over an hour into the match but Australia fought back to level before England won it at the death, courtesy of a late penalty from Ben Coen just a minute from time.
The first half of this must-win game for England was fast paced and full of attacking rugby, with England leading 19-7 at the break. McParland combined nicely with Treacey to open the scoring for England, however Australia answered right back when good vision from Joey Fowler led to speedster Nick Conway scoring in the corner.
England stretched their lead in the middle third of the game as England captain Kepu Tuipulotu displayed his immense power to complete a well-deserved hat-trick.
The Junior Wallabies attack then found a new gear which tore England’s defense to shreds. They played scintillating rugby, scoring through the middle and out wide as England floundered. With five minutes left the scores were level.
