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Watch: Australia under-20 fullback pulls off Gregan-like try-saving tackle on flying NZ winger
The Junior Wallabies beat New Zealand under-20’s for just the second time in history in the Oceania Championships on the Gold Coast, but it was the manner in which they won which has impressed the most.
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They held the visitors scoreless in a comprehensive 24-0 beating against the six-time World under-20 champions. A kicking masterclass from flyhalf Will Harrison notched four first-half penalties to give Australia a 12-0 lead into the break, which wouldn’t have been if New Zealand winger Lamilo Lamilo had been able to score a wonder try around the half-hour mark.
Slipping through some vacant ruck defence, Lamilo bounced to the outside beating a couple of defenders before aiming for the corner. A last-ditch cover tackle from fullback Isaac Lucas turned the winger on his back as he hit the turf, keeping the ball above the ground until both players were rolled into touch.
The heroic tackle saved a certain try and symbolised the type of stoic defence of the young Australian side brought to the game. Lucas, a Super Rugby debutant this year with the Queensland Reds, produced the type of play that many have expected since being earmarked for bigger things as a schoolboy.
Watch the superb cover tackle below:
