**Wales Suffer Defeat as Wallabies Gear Up for Second Lions Test**
The world of rugby delivered plenty of drama this evening, with Wales’ under-20 squad bowing out of the World Championship in disappointing fashion, while Australia’s national team prepares to welcome back key players for a crucial clash against the British and Irish Lions. Elsewhere, New Zealand narrowly overcame a spirited French outfit, rounding off an eventful day in the international rugby calendar.
The Welsh Under-20s’ hopes were dashed after succumbing to a 31-23 defeat at the hands of Italy, concluding a campaign beset by inconsistency. The Welsh youngsters had entered the tournament with confidence, buoyed by a notable victory over England in the Six Nations. However, despite flashes of promise, they managed only a single win—against Spain—ultimately settling for eighth place.
From the outset against Italy, Wales showed early promise, taking an initial advantage via Harri Ford’s boot after an Italian yellow card. Scrum-half Sion Davies then provided a spark with a solo try. Yet, despite these bright moments, Wales struggled to match the power and physicality of their Italian counterparts—a challenge that has dogged them throughout the competition.
Matters worsened when No 8 Evan Minto was sent to the sin bin, allowing Italy’s Nelson Casartelli to score from a well-executed driving lineout. The Italian side grew in confidence, stretching their lead further with a slick team try finished off by Federico Zanandrea. Soon after the interval, Casartelli crossed the line again, capitalising on a yellow card for Wales lock Dan Gemine.
Despite Ford and Francesco Braga exchanging penalties, Wales found themselves unraveling, picking up further cards as replacement hooker Harry Thomas was sin-binned for sparking a confrontation, and Minto was sent off, receiving a second yellow—automatically converted to a red. Although Italy also faced disciplinary woes with two players sent to the bin, the Welsh fightback came too late, with Aidan Boshoff registering a try in the corner but unable to change the result.
Attention now shifts to Australia, where head coach Joe Schmidt has confirmed that star forwards Will Skelton and Rob Valetini are set to return for the second Test against the British and Irish Lions. The Wallabies were beaten 27-19 in Brisbane, having struggled physically against the Lions, but the reintroduction of their influential duo could tip the scales as the series heads to Melbourne.
Schmidt reflected, “We worked hard to claw our way back into the game. Had we managed to cut the deficit further, it might have been a different story. The Lions earned their win, especially on the strength of their first half.” Nonetheless, Schmidt offered praise for his side’s resolve, noting improvements compared to the previous year. Squad changes seem likely, with Skelton and Valetini primed to start and dynamic prop Angus Bell possibly earning a place after impressing off the bench. Scrum-half Jake McDermott is also in contention, and experienced campaigner James O’Connor may return.
New Zealand provided further entertainment, edging past France 29-19 in Hamilton to complete a 3-0 clean sweep in their series. The All Blacks faced stern resistance from a depleted French squad, who charged to a 19-17 half-time lead courtesy of scrum-half Nolann Le Garrec’s efforts. New Zealand hit back, orchestrating fine tries through Will Jordan and Anton Lienert-Brown, before Du’Plessis Kirifi edged them in front. Jordie Barrett then carved open the defence to send Brodie McAlister over for the clinching score.
Despite failing to register any points in the second half, France’s defence was tenacious and frustrated the All Blacks for long stretches. The hosts, however, found breakthroughs when it mattered, securing the series and providing their coach, Scott Robertson, with a platform to build upon as he looks ahead to future challenges.
Saturday’s international rugby action underlined the fine margins and intense physical demands that define the sport. While young Welsh hopes were dashed and French resilience tested, anticipation now builds as the Lions and Wallabies prepare for another bruising encounter, with selection decisions and returning stars sure to add fresh intrigue.
This weekend’s events reflect a sport in constant evolution, where new faces emerge while seasoned veterans battle for supremacy. As teams regroup and refocus, the rugby world waits eagerly to see who will rise to the occasion in the matches to come.