England edge out Australia to make to semi-finals of U20 Championship

England U20 20-19 Australia U20, Avchala Stadium
Scorecard

Max Malins scored the decisive penalty for England as they edged Australia out in a tight 20-19 encounter at Avchala Stadium to make it to the semi-final of the U20 Championship 2017 tournament.

Scrum-half Harrison Goddard got Australia off the mark with a second minute penalty but it was negated by Theo Brophy Clews, five minutes later. Australia stepped up the accelerator with Sione Tuipulotu crossing over while Goddard added a conversion and two penalties to take the score 3-16.

However, winger Gabriel Ibitoye provided some respite for England with his touchdown in the 21st minute and a conversion from Malins meant England went into half time, trailing by just six points.

After the first 10 minutes in the second half went without a point, prop Marcus Street helped England narrow down the gap when he strolled past the post in the 51st minute.

As the game entered the final 10 minutes, England had a slender one point lead over Australia. But, replacement Harry Nucifora scored a crucial penalty for Australia to help them gain a two point lead.

This is when Malins scored the decisive penalty kick capitalising on a sin-bin to Harry Johnson-Holmes, as England completed a thrilling one point victory.

England topped Pool A with 14 points from three games as they will lock horns with South Africa in the semi-final on Tuesday while Australia will face Italy for a fifth place semi-final play-off.