‘A good effort but we’re gutted’: Junior Wallabies welcomed home

Posted on June 28, 2019 by Paul Cook Leave a comment

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A proud but understandably despondent Junior Wallabies side have returned to Australia, following their gallant loss by a single point in the World Rugby U20s Championship final to France in Argentina.

They became just the second Australian team to reach the title decider after the 2010 team containing the likes of Matt To’omua, Nic White and Liam Gillreached the same stage, ironically, also in the Argentine city of Rosario. But a terrific run to the final that brought victories over Italy, Ireland and the hosts, fell just short at the hands of a French team that lifted their second successive trophy.

Head coach Jason Gilmore and captain Fraser McReight – who was also made the four-man short-list for Breakthrough Player of the Tournament – reflected on the journey they have taken over the last few weeks, after the squad landed at Sydney Airport.