Australia v New Zealand schools and under 18s rugby Test: Teen stars, scorers, result wrap

There was a stand-off, red card, injury and big hits in the first half. But a purple patch in the second decided the battle between the Australia schools and under 18s team and New Zealand.

The match-up showcased some of the best young talent in international rugby.

There was a pre-game stand-off, a spine-tingling Haka, big hits, a red card, dislocated shoulder, gritty defence and explosions of speed in the first half.

But it was a 15 minute purple patch in the second which broke the hearts of the Australian schools and under 18s team in their first-up match with New Zealand in Canberra on Thursday.

The future of trans-Tasman rugby looks tough, torrid and exciting if the Australia v New Zealand schools and under 18 Test is an indication.

The first match for the Trans Tasman schools trophy since 2109 had it all - for New Zealand at least - who ran out 34-3 winners against Australia on the back of a sensational second half.

The opening 20 minutes of the game set the scene for a torrid test between the two old rivals of sport in Canberra on Thursday.

Action in the match between the Australian schools and under 18 team and New Zealand. Picture: Supplied/Rugby Australia

Trinity Grammar’s Sam Niulala was forced from the field with a dislocated shoulder and Xavier Ruben’s from Brisbane Boys College followed soon after when red carded for a mistimed tackle, reducing the Aussies to just 14 for 20 minutes.

There were horizontal kicks, great scrums, exciting passages of play, rugged defence and explosive bursts of speed – but no points until the 24th minute when New Zealand scored from a penalty kick.

The match-up showcased some of the best young talent in international rugby.

This all followed on from an extraordinary Haka and an intense face-off between the two sides playing for the trans-Tasman schools cup.

Brothers rugby gun Finn Prass managed to level the score with a big penalty kick before half time but in the second half it was one-way traffic.

The Kiwis came out firing with two great tries from Logan Wallace and captain Oli Mathis, with the later pivotal in a third scored by Josh Tengblad.

This 15 minute purple patch put the game well out of reach of the young Australians with Aisake Vakasiuola putting the finishing touches on the game with a fourth try late in the game.

Australia has the chance to avenge the loss on Monday in the second and final game between the two young sides in Canberra.