Wigan Warriors' half aims for England academy series whitewash against Australia

Wigan Warriors and England Academy halfback Harry Smith certainly enjoyed his first clash against Australian opposition and is now looking forward to tomorrow night's second international at Headingley, Leeds.
Wigan's Harry Smith in action for England academy at Leigh. Picture: Brian KingWigan's Harry Smith in action for England academy at Leigh. Picture: Brian King
Wigan's Harry Smith in action for England academy at Leigh. Picture: Brian King

Smith was in exceptional form, grabbing a try and three goals, whilst constantly pushing the Aussies back with his punishing kicking game that included a 40/20 late on when England were under the cosh.

But of his first game against the Australia Schoolboys, Smith said: “It was a great experience. We knew it was going to be tough as they are big lads, especially in the back field. But we did do a good job in the first half to take control, but we then let them back into it in the second half.

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“We spoke about that after the game as we started to focus on what we need to do this week if we are to win the second Test. We just need to work more on our completion rate and keep it going for the full 80 minutes. They will be tougher and come at us harder, but we have to match that and we can win again.

“Australia can take you at any time. We are aware of that and just need to stay more focussed if we want to pull off that second win.

“It was my first crack at the Aussies and before the game it was nerve-racking.

“But once you get into the game it is a really good experience and hopefully I can get many more under my belt. I don’t know if playing against better opposition helps you become better at the role but I certainly feel it does.”