mens
international
The New Zealand The U18 Maori Schoolboys had a convincing eleven point win Australia Hamilton schools to close their 2026 National Pathways Program tournaments.
The visitors scored at the final buzzer to reduce the margin to within two tries, but the Maori U18s produced a clinical second-half performance to overcome the mighty Australia.
Both sides were locked at 7 apiece at half-time at St Paul’s Collegiate in Hamilton, the venue for the entire tournament, which included teams from Samoa, Tonga, Australia and three teams from New Zealand.
Maori U18 first-five Keanu Simpson, bro Auckland playmaker Rico steered the ship from No.10 on Sunday afternoon after earning a call-up to the New Zealand Schoolboys during the week.
Simpson, from Sacred Heart College, was vice-captain in the run-on side alongside Enzo Kyle, who once again impressed for Kahu Carey’s side.
Elijah Wharepouri from the bench gave the Kiwis a boost, while Australian Schoolboys playmakers Rokko Walker and Hamish Ward stood out in the losing side.
The opening stages of the final day’s competition were tight, with the first quarter ending goalless as both sides had chances with the ball in hand.
The deadlock was broken eight minutes before half-time, as the Australian Schoolboys spread the ball from the left touchline. Walker got his hands on the ball before a gap opened up after Isaiah Cornforth cleared the ball well.
The Maori U18s hit back at half-time, through Campbell Bibbie. The Maori full back pounced on the loose ball after following his own kick towards the try line.
HT: 7-7 in Hamilton.
Carey’s side broke first shortly after the break when Australian Schoolboys left wing Davi Nemer Rodrigues intercepted a NZ Maori U18 pass in midfield. Rodrigues’ five-pointer put the visitors in the lead more than 30 minutes into the game.
Paice Mitchell-Hopa was next to score, leveling the scores after sensing a chance close to the ruck. Mitchell-Hopa burst through the gap to get the Maori back into the U18 competition.
Tauranga Boys full-back Tommy McQuoid took the game into his own hands in the 57th minute, powering home a flurry of tries to give his side the lead.
A superb run by Wharepouri led to a Synton Bowden try, minutes after Simpson extended the Maori lead.
Another penalty goal from Simpson, this time from close to halfway, gave the Maori U18s victory, despite a late second half try from the Australian Schoolboys.
FT: 32-21 to Maori U18
Second day of three results, Taranaki U18 secured victory over 55-7 Tonga U18, while New Zealand Barbarians enjoyed a remarkable 90-3 triumph Samoa U18.