Australia lay down impressive opening bid

■By TOM STEVENS

Australia ………..90pts

Tries: Cleverley 4, Kruger 9, 16; Eli Langi 21, Grover 27, Edwin Langi 31, Geros 39, Robinson 44, Fittler 53, 79; Talaileva 62, 65; Blank 68, Hollyman 75 Conversions: Mackay 5, 9, 17, 22, 27, 32, 40, 45, 54, 69

Spain ………………22pts

Tries: Farace 50, Del Campo 56, Marsinyac Garcia 72, 83 Conversions: Antem 73

Alert: Eli Langi on the attack for Junior Wallabies

POOL D

AUSTRALIA:

AUSTRALIA opened their campaign in impressive fashion, overpowering Spain in Kutaisi to launch their Pool D challenge with a convincing victory.

The Junior Wallabies combined physical dominance up front with clinical finishing out wide to put the result beyond doubt early and underline their credentials as one of the tournament’s contenders.

The Australians seized control from the outset and were rewarded with an early try from Luca Cleverley, whose finish capped a period of sustained pressure. Spain’s task became significantly harder when they were reduced to 14 men following a yellow card to Carlos Dela Fuente, and Australia capitalised on the extra space.

Ewald Kruger crossed twice in a devastating spell that stretched the margin and left the Spanish defence scrambling. Fly-half Finn Mackay added the extras with a flawless kicking display. Eli Langi, Angus Grover, Edwin Langi and

Chayse Geros all touched down as the Junior Wallabes opened up a 49-0lead at half-time.

Tom Robinson got the second half started in perfect style for Australia with the next try on 44 minutes before Spain registered their first points with a try by Ivan Farace.

But Australia replacement Zach Fittler soon crashed over. And while Mauro Del Campo crossed for another Spain try there was no let up from Australia with TJ Talaileva scoring a double followed by Sam Blank and Charlie Hollyman. Fittler added his second with Oriol Marsinyac Garcia grabbing a quickfire double for Spain.