Aussie Schools beat Fijians

Australian Schools had a strong 29-12 win over Fijian Schools in the heat of Churchill Park, Lautoka on Tuesday. This win comes after the Australians lost their opening match 18-9 to the Fijian President’s XV on Saturday.

Australia led 10-0 at one stage but two Fijian tries gave the side a 12-10 lead before Australia got the game back. It was not easy.

Fullback Jonah placid opened the scoring with a try converted by hooker Tom Wilson who increased the lead with a penalty. Just before the break Fijian wing Emosi Bure scored to make the score 10-5 to Australia at half-time.

Fiji's second try, scored by captain Sireli Misiwini, at the start of the second half gave the home side a 12-10 lead. But it did not last long as loosehead Aaron Pleash crashed over for a try. 17-12.

Australia, who were bigger and dominated most of the game, finished the stronger in the heat as first replacement hooker Tomas Robertson crashed over for a try, converted by flyhalf Jake McIntyre, and then just before the end right wing Andrew Robinson rounded his opponent and scored in the corner.

Scorers:

For Australian Schools:

Tries: Jonah Placid, Aaron Pleash, Tomas Robertson, Andrew Robinson.

Cons: Tom Wilson 2, Jake McIntyre.

Pen: Tom Wilson.

For Fijian Schools:

Tries: Emosi Bure, Sireli Misiwini

Con: Kini Douglas.

Australian Schools: 15 Jonah Placid, 14 Andrew Robinson, 13 Jim Stewart, 12 Jack Tuttle, 11 Andrew Kellaway, 10 Jake McIntyre, 9 Angus Pulver, 8 Mitchell Whiteley, 7 Michael Gunn, 6 Jack Dempsey, 5 Matt Philip, 4 Tom Staniforth, 3 Matt Sandell, 2 Tom Wilson (captain), 1 Aaron Pleash.

Replacements: 16 Tomas Robertson, 17 François Postal, 18 Neori Nadruku, 19 Adam Korczyk, 20 Lolo Fakaosilea, 21 Andrew Ferris, 22 Reece Hodge, 23 Tepai Moeroa.

Referee: James Bolabiu (Fiji)

Assistant referees: Samuela Tuidraki (Fiji), Uraia Naibuka (Fiji)