Australia U18s v New Zealand Barbarians teen stars, scores and what coach thought
It was a taste of things to come between Australia and New Zealand rugby and while it didn’t disappoint there’s room to improve. Stars, result wrap of Australia U18s v Barbarians.
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It was a taste of things to come between Australia and New Zealand rugby and it didn’t disappoint as top teens and future Wallabies and All Blacks from both sides of the ditch gave a glimpse into the future of international rugby.
Australia’s under 18s side headed to New Zealand intent on making their presence after a short camp in Canberra to work on combinations and select the team to take on the Barbarians in match one and the New Zealand schools side in game two on Saturday.
And they did just that with a 57-47 victory in the match showcasing the future of the sport on both sides of the ditch with numerous sons and grand sons of Wallabies and All Blacks players competing.
It was a welcome result for the determined Australians who lead by 18 at halftime, withstood a Barbarians resurgence early in the second half to eventually take the match by 17 points.
But is was a result their coach Shannon Taylor said needs to improve ahead of Sunday’s match against the New Zerakland schools.
“Overall I’m pretty happy for a first hitout,’’ said Fraser who sent Zach Fittlere on off the bench in the 43rd minute..
“It was a little clunky but at the same time we had some strong individual performances.
“We need to work on our systems the next few days and prioritise what will make the biggest impact.’’
Big prop Kingsley Uys was one of the stars of the game with two tries in the big win by the touring Australians.
Jonty Fowler had a sterling game kicking a and also scored a try.
Other tryscorers in the match Australia lead 38-21 at halftime included Heamasi Makasini, John Grenfell, Tom Howard and Edwin Langi.
For Fraser there were other stars including Heinz Lemoto.
“Heinz carried hard and won his collision,’’ Taylor said.
“Eli Langi had a good work rate and won a lot of collision as did Kingsleyh.
“Frankie (Goldsbrough, vc) was another one, he was pretty strong.’’
Zach Fittler, son of league legend Brad, came off the bench in the 43rd minute and impressed the New Zealand commentators who were impressed with his size.
“Frightening,’’ said one.,
AUSTRALIAN U18S TEAM: 1. Kingsley Uys - The Southport School, 2. John Grenfell - Nudgee College, 3. Edwin Langi - Eastern Suburbs Rugby Club, 4. Will Ross - Padua College, 5. Isaac Fonua - The King’s School, 6. Eli Langi - Brisbane State High School
7. Tom Robinson (c) - UQ Rugby Club, 8. Heinz Lemoto - The Scots College, 9. Angus Grover - St Igantius College, Riverview, 10. Jonty Fowler - St Joseph’s College, 11. Heamasi Makasini - Newington College, 12. Josh Takai - Brothers Rugby Club.
13. Frankie Goldsbrough (vc) - Easts Rugby Club, 14. Tom Howard - Marist College Ashgrove, 15. Rex Bassingthwaite - The Shore School, 16. Ewald Kruger - GPS Rugby Club, 17. Nick Hill - Barker College, 18. Jonah Rangiwai - The Southport School, 19. Avery Thomson - GPS Rugby Club, 20. Luca Cleverley - Newington College, 21. Sam Blank - St Augustine’s College 22. Finn Mackay - St Laurence’s College, 23. Zach Fittler - The Scots College
TOP SHOT: Super Rugby U16s, U19s, Rd 1 wrap
SWEET 16: Next Gen players to watch
NEW ZEALAND BARBARIANS: Saunderson-Rurawhe Reimana Northcote RFC Harbour, Fa’avae Fanua Nelson College Tasman, Muliaina Mika Southland Boys’ High School Southland, Tasmania Rios Auckland Grammar Auckland, Havea Peni Feilding High School, Manawatu Nation Benji Christ’s College Canterbury, Swann Mitchell Hamilton Boys’ High School Waikato, Martin Tom Hamilton Boys’ High School Waikato, Fakava Alani Feilding High School Manawatu, Etuale Lautasi St Thomas of Canterbury.
Brown Frazer Ponsonby RFC Auckland, Frost Jake University of Canterbury Canterbury, Fale Max St Thomas of Canterbury, Falloon Johnny Rathkeale College Wairarapa Bush, Palmer Raharui Hautapu Sports Club Waikato, McHugh Presley Southland Boys’ High School Southland, Raviyawa Rupeni Feilding High School Manawatu, Fale Micah Hamilton Old Boys Waikato, Rutledge Gregor Kaikorai RFC Otago, Berg-McLean Drew St Pats Silverstream Wellington, Boyle-Tiatia Pyrenees University of Waikato Waikato, Wiseman Jack New Plymouth, Boys High School Taranaki, Ahloo Tamiano College Rifles RFC Auckland. Takapu Samuela Nelson College Tasman, Johnston Dane Feilding High School Manawatu
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