Australia U20 on SA's heels
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The Australian Under-20 side will have a lot of improving to do if they are going to beat South Africa in their final pool game of the World Rugby U20 Championship in Calvisano.
This was the view Australian head coach Adrian Thompson after their 31-15 bonus point win over host nation Italy on Saturday.
The win saw Australia draw level on points with South Africa, but in second spot in Pool B with an inferior points differential to the Junior Springboks.
“Its pleasing that we were able to finish the first half as strongly as we did allowing us to claim the bonus point win," said Thompson of the Italy win.
“The forwards did an excellent job in tough conditions which allowed us to give the backs momentum moving forwards.
“We again had a slow start to the match that could have proved costly and this is part of a few areas we will need to improve on before we face South Africa."
Australian captain Andrew Kellaway praised the Italians on their performance.
“Italy turned up as we knew they would. Full credit to them they took us right to the end" Kellaway said.
“We have quite a few areas to improve on before South Africa. We’ll get back to the drawing board and see how we go.”
Australia will meet South Africa on Wednesday for an automatic place in the semifinals.
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