NEWPORT Gwent Dragons teenager Tyler Morgan could teach the Wales seniors a thing or two about beating the Aussies, writes Chris Kirwan.
The 18-year-old outside centre, who played in the region’s LV= Cup clashes against the Scarlets and London Wasps, has been a key figure in two victories against tourists from Down Under.
The Coleg Gwent student, who has been in superb form with Newport in the Premiership, scored a try in Wales Under-18s A’s victory against Australia Schools last Friday and crossed the whitewash again in Wednesday’s full international which the hosts won 26-12.
Morgan was joined in the squad for the two encounters by fellow Dragons academy prospects Joe Davies (lock), Keagan Bale (prop), Alex Jeffries (prop), Leon Brown (prop), Ollie Griffiths (openside), Harry Keddie (back row), Gareth Allen (lock) and Lloyd Lewis (wing).
Head coach Allan Lewis was delighted after his charges withstood a spirited comeback by the young Wallabies at the Gnoll in Neath on Wednesday.
“I'm extremely pleased. In the first half we played some lovely rugby but I've got to admire the character of the team, the spirit they showed and their defensive qualities,” said Lewis.
"It was excellent. I think it's part of their development to be comfortable with ball in hand and playing at a high tempo.
“I thought we showed a bit of naivety at times, we tried to keep the ball alive, possibly going against my philosophy, but I thought the way we approached the game defensively was magnificent.
"When we play against sides like Australia, it's such an education for the boys. To play South Africa in the summer and now Australia, it's been a great experience.
"In the past year a lot of these boys have played something like nine internationals. Several are likely to move into the Under 20's but a number of them will come back with us after Christmas.”
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