mens
international
Australia The U18s came to grips New Zealand Schools, beating hosts St Paul’s Collegiate in Hamilton 40-33 in an end-to-end battle.
Dale Roberson’s side, clearly the most impressive side in the tournament, came from behind to overcome the Kiwis in Hamilton. Despite leading the home team 19-12 at the break, Australia came out of the blocks after half-time to stun New Zealand Schools on Sunday night.
The first half was a thrilling contest filled with lead changes and big moments, with both sets of captains coming up with huge plays on both sides of the ball.
The home team, coached by New Zealand Pathways coach Kane Jury, looked threatening with ball in hand, but Australia’s defense held strong on several occasions.
Whatever Roberson said at half-time worked, as Australia were much more physical in the collision zone in the second forty minutes. Australia’s captain, Justice Taumoepeau, was inspirational, while Oliver Smith’s ability to finish on the back of a rolling maul was the difference.
Both sides attacked hard in the opening stages, but New Zealand were offered their first real chance of the contest.
Rogers had a strong performance in midfield, before a strong back line move brought Southland Boys’ Jack Brock through a half gap on the right.
Brock pushed Jack Plamondon out of the way to knock the ball down for the first try of the game. New Zealand first-five Fletcher Cooper kicked the conversion off the tee for an early 7-0 lead.
The Australian forwards rolled up their sleeves in the next phase of the game, putting themselves in a dangerous position deep inside the Kiwis’ 22-metre line.
Harrison Asi made a powerful effort before James Smith made the easy task of passing the ball to Taj Scarr to answer in the corner. Wilson Ruthven pushed the conversion over but the response was promising for Australia.
Australia’s first try seemed to motivate them physically and mentally, taking advantage of poor referee discipline. Australia started the movement, and despite taking some time to gain momentum, it was powerful enough to give Oliver Smith another try in the contest. This time, Ruthven made no mistake with the conversion.
Both teams had their moments over the next 15 minutes, including strong performances from Australian captain Justice Taumoepeau, Rogers and Nico Stanley.
The Kiwis had a penalty advantage close to the Australian line, but Cooper saw space on the left wing, flicking a cross to Matthew Fleming, who leaped to slot the ball over the try line.
It was a reward for New Zealand’s dominance, which they then extended a few minutes later.
Cooper was at the head of another attempt; this time, his right-footed stride put him through a gap in the Australian defence, before a sharp inside ball to Nico Stanley saw Auckland Grammatical midfielder walked under the posts.
However, Australia were not going to go down without a fight as they tried to tie the score late in the first half. Robertson’s side were unable to convert as New Zealand held the lead at the break.
HT: 19-12 for New Zealand schools.
The visitors started the second forty minutes on top, with another strike causing problems for the Kiwis. Smith got hold of the ball at the back, showing composure to anchor the maul and carry it over the line to level the scores at 19 all.
Fleming was at it again; this time the Westlake Boys High School front-rower broke through the Australian defence. His right-back beat several defenders with ease, before his pace was too much to handle.
The see-saw battle resumed less than ten minutes later, with Australia going down the left of the posts through Asi. The imposing lock flew to the left of the arm, reaching out to counter Robertson’s side.
Ruthven added the extras from close range to make it 26 apiece with 20 minutes to play.
Australia appeared to have the game by the scruff of the neck as Asi crossed, forcing the Kiwis into another unforced error close to their line.
Bloomfield dominated with his ball-carrying ability as Australia looked for the lead, only to finally get over the line despite a last-ditch effort from New Zealand’s defence.
Australia’s knock-out came in the 76th minute, with Tahj Smith creating space for Izak Holmes to cross to seal victory in a thrilling end-to-end contest.
New Zealand Schools replacement halfback Carlos Nordstrom made a late save but it wasn’t enough for the judging panel as the full-time whistle sounded.
FT: 40-33 to Australia U18 over New Zealand Schools.