Scotland U20s Get By USA U20s at World Trophy Final
Scotland U20s Get By USA U20s at World Trophy Final
Scotland defeated the USA in the World Rugby U20 Trophy final in Edinburgh Wednesday, taking the championship game 48-10.
For the USA this game was a step up from the level of games they have been playing in recent years, and including this year, and it was a good lesson in the attention to detail needed to combat Tier 1 nations. The Junior Eagles ultimately recorded almost the exact same score against Scotland as did Japan a few days ago (their score was 46-10). It speaks to where this team sits in the world pecking order and it's not bad.
Scotland controlled the field position through most of the game. They were quick on the ball and their continuity was very strong. The USA held on after an early try to keep it at 5-0 until 27 minutes. Scotland scored twice late in the first half to lead 17-0.
The Americans got on the front foot early in the second half and that eventually led to a penalty goal from fullback Corbin Smith to make it 17-3. But any thoughts of a comeback were dispelled when the Scottish forwards swarmed over the ball and put hooker Jerry Blyth-Lfferty over.
The USA's defense continued to battle on while good attacking chances were few and far between. In the final 15 minutes Scotland started to break through the wall and they scored four tries. With time up the USA almost got to the line with a snappy run from scrumhalf Solomon Williams. He was caught but, after a few forward surges to the line, the USA sent a wide kick through Ollie Cline and wing Keelen Farrell caught it and scored. Smith converted nicely and that was the end of the game.
So it was a consolation try, and Farrell showed no emotion in scoring, but it was an important statement by the USA that they wouldn't capitulate. They will not be happy about the loss, nor the flood of tries late, but their 2nd place finish in the World Trophy is a big improvement from 2023 and sets them up for a potential tournament win in 2024.
USA U20s 10
Tries: Farrell
Convs: Smith
Pens: Smith
Scotland U20s 48
Tries: McVie 3, Ventisei, Currie, Yule, J. Blyth-Lafferty 2
Convs: Hocking 3, McLeane
World Rugby U20 Trophy Placements
1st Place: Scotland 48 USA 10
3rd Place: Japan 75 Uruguay 22
5th Place: Netherlands 46 Samoa 29
7th Place: Hong Kong 34 Kenya 14
Scotland is promoted to the 2025 U20 World Championships and Spain or Fiji will drop down.
