The young Ospreys side made an impressive start to the game, putting pressure on the opposition and forcing them into mistakes and fouls. A clever kick to the corner by Luke Price almost saw the home side open the scoring but the ball was knocked on as it was carried over the line.
However, it was the visitors who opened the scoring at the Brewery Field as they raced the length of the field for a superb score from Henry Hutchinson. The conversion went wide but just a few minutes later, prop Evander Guttenbeil dived over for Australia’s second score. Mitchell Third converted this time around and the Ospreys were now staring at a 12-0 deficit.
A weaker side would have folded at this point but the Ospreys, who won the first round of regional action, stood firm. Price and Joe Thomas continued to probe at the Australian defence and although Maclean Jones went close for Australia, it remained 12-0 to the Wallabies at the break.
The start of the second half saw Australia get off to a flyer, interval replacement Tepai Moeroa adding a third try with just 43 seconds played. Third again converted before the Ospreys were again hindered by being reduced to 14 men.
Being a man light failed to hinder the home side though with replacement Jacob Williams dashing over, Price converting.
However, Moeroa showed impressive pace to cross for his second with second row Joshua Anderson scoring the final try of the game.
Despite the defeat, Connor was pleased with his side’s performance.
“The determination was amazing – to a man they all stood up and put their bodies on the line,” he said.
“We always knew it was going to be physical but I think it was a shock to most of them just how physical it was. By the end, the boys were battered but it was a great effort from all of them.
“It was a great experience for the boys. I said to them before the game they may not ever play international rugby so it could be the only time they will get to play against an international team so go out and enjoy it.
“If we had taken some of our chances in the first half I’m sure the score line could have been a bit closer. The try we got was a good one and something we had worked on. But I have no criticism of the players they were all excellent today, absolutely superb”.
