Australian Under 20s assistant coach Shane Arnold showed his players how to kick a Stephen Larkham-esque drop goal, landing one from 49 metres as part of a light-hearted challenge ahead of the World Rugby Under 20s Championship in Italy.
Arnold’s effort was just one metre behind England’s Billy Burns, who plays professionally for Gloucester.
Arnold is also a GPS premier grade head coach and former premier player, and apart from kicking massive drop kicks, he’ll be keen to pass on his wealth of experience to the junior squad.
The Australian team is in Pool B and start their World Championship campaign against Samoa early Wednesday morning (AEST). They then face the hosts Italy on June 6 before a final group game on June 10 against South Africa.
Australia will be well led by captain Andrew Kellaway. Kellaway is a NSW Waratahs recruit and has drawn comparisons with some big-name players, including Kurtley Beale.
Kellaway scored 10 tries at least year’s Under 20 Championship in New Zealand, where Australia finished fifth.
Heading into this year’s tournament, Kellaway said his side were primed, having had the chance to bond and learn team systems at the inaugural Oceania Rugby Junior Championship on the Gold Coast last month:
“To be able to play those high calibre and high intensity games leading into the World Cup is something that is priceless really for our preparation and a step in the right direction for competing with the northern hemisphere sides. We have had our time to get rid of cobwebs and get our systems in place and I think now is the time to get going.”
Only three nations (New Zealand, South Africa, England) have lifted the trophy since the tournament began in 2008. England are the two-time defending champions and start their campaign against Japan.
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