By AlanQuin
June 15 2003

They give you value for money at the Under-21 Rugby World Cup! The ticket covers both matches being held on that ground that day for the reasonable price of £10 and even less if you are an elderly person like me! So it was off to Iffley Road in Oxford, home of the Oxford University R.F.C., where the holders, South Africa, winners on their own turf last year, started the tournament against Ireland.

The Boks were bigger, stronger and rather more skillful than the Irish and had powered away before half time to lead by 26 points to 12. It was a lead that was never to be lost despite a valiant Irish fight back and the presence of Harvey on the Bok wing. Even two yellow cards against the South Africans did not help as each Irish score was answered by another for their opponents who ran out as winners by 36 points to 27.

It had been an entertaining match and a brave Irish performance well supported by a crowd of about 1500. As a prelude to the main event, Australia v England, it was a fine curtain raiser.

The crowd was much increased and clearly expecting great things. It was quite clear, however, as the teams lined up for the anthems that the Australians were taller, heavier and stronger than their rather smaller opponents. It was so noticeable that it was hard to believe that some were not over 25 years, let alone under 21 years.

One’s fears were soon realised as concerted and powerful attacks led to the first Australian try after 3 minutes. England stuck manfully to the task and eventually in the twelfth minute replied with a try but trailed by 5 points to 7.

The refereeing was rather strange, to put the matter euphemistically, and the penalty count rose steadily against England. The South African official followed Super 12 rules, in which forward passes and crooked putting in to the scrum and knock-ons are all apparently largely disregarded. A scrum in front of the posts was superbly resisted by England and their opponents’ scrummage destroyed. From the resulting England scrum the ball never properly entered the tunnel but squirted out and was picked up and carried over the England line. Despite the failure to have the ball into the scrum, the try was awarded.

England struggled to come to terms with their general lack of good possession. Chris Bell was solid in the centre and showing just how good a centre he is. One superb interception led to a fine England attack snuffed out within a few metres of the Australian line by accidental offside. Ugo Monye saw comparatively little of the ball and had little or no space when he received it. He made one or two fine runs but they were all too short before he was tackled by two or three Australians and bundled into touch. On one occasion it took three of them lifting him bodily off the ground to tackle him but he still managed to find Garvey, although he too was bundled into touch.

But in the 37th minute disaster struck for Ugo. Trying to clear his line from only a yard or two out he essayed a chip over the advancing horde only to have it caught and the try scored. An avoidable error, born of the pressure being exerted by the faster and stronger Australians. Another England try on the stroke of half time was some consolation. England 15 Australia 24.

The second half was more of the same and despite some fine efforts and a penalty try, England were never likely to pull the game back and the Australians ran out worthy winners by 52 points to 22.

The next England Match is on Tuesday when they play Japan at Newbury at 7.30 p.m.