Australian schoolboys rugby: Teens who starred in Barbarians v Tonga battle and result wrap

There were big hits, body slams, damaging clashes, sensational speed and tries galore as the Barbarians hosted the Tongan schoolboy rugby team. Stars, standouts, result wrap.

The Barbarians put on a try clinic against Tonga. Picture: Anthony Edgar

There were big hits, damaging clashes, sensational speed and tries galore as the Barbarians hosted the Tongan schoolboy rugby team in Sydney on Monday.

The much-anticipated match followed on from the Australian schoolboys beating the Barbarians in the opening match of the tri-series at Knox Grammar in Sydney on Saturday.

But it was a different - and vastly improved - Barbarians side who took to the field on Monday to play the touring Tongan side.

The Barbarians - who had done the majority of their pre-game preparation via Zoom meet-ups as players hailed from both NSW and Queensland - dominated the match from the start before running out 69-21 winners.

The Barbarians ran in four of their 10 tries before Tonga was able to put first points on the board with a ripper try before halftime.

BASH AND CRASH IN GAME ONE

The Barbarians bounced back from their defeat of Australia to knock off Tonga.

While Tonga managed another two, the Barbarians came home hard and fast for the rollicking win.

“That was awesome,’’ Barbarians coach Dan Hawke said.

“It was an awesome opportunity for the boys to show what they have picked up the last week after pretty much sevens weeks of Zoom calls.’’

An early standout was opening try scorer and late call-up Archie McGurk.

“He got the phone call yesterday) to replace the injured Adam Khan) to join the team and then got us off to a great start with a try and then nearly scored another 100m effort himself before unfortunately being concussed,’’ Hawke said.

Hawke said kicker Henry James was another star for the Barbarians along with Jacob John and captain Joshau Va’alotu.

“Ben Finegan also showed a lot of leadership today. He’s playing colts so has a bit more experience in a higher grade,’’ Hawke said.

“He was good for our set piece.’’

The Barbarians put on a try clinic against Tonga

Integral to the Barbarians success was a vastly more disciplined performance.

“One of the key feedbacks was to look after our discipline,’’ Hawke said.

“The boys were pretty hard on themselves in the way we let that game (against Australia) slip on the back of our discipline.’’

Daniel Christodoulou scored the Barbarians second try with other scorers Finn Graham, Tallis McEwen, Billy Mougios, Ben Finegan, Kye Porter, Netani Lesimaikimatuku (2) and Terence Fusi.

Henele Tolu scored two tries for Tonga and Kiunga O’Fahulu also went over.

Sione Matakaiongu converted all three.

BARBARIANS V TONGA SCHOOLBOY RUGBY PREVIEW

The Barbarians sport players from a mix of backgrounds and this is a point of strength for the young rugby guns ahead of their battle with the touring Tongan schoolboys at Knox College on Monday.

Barbarians coach Daniel Hawke said his side is a mix of players from traditional and non-traditional rugby backgrounds and country and regional areas across NSW and Queensland.

“Some of the kids we have, I suppose, are not from the traditional GPS schools background.’’ said Hawke from Keebra Park State High School.

“They are from western Sydney and country areas and we will pride ourselves on being tough in the middle and out front.

“We will be abrasive, definitely take it to them in contact areas, that’s the sort of guys we have in the team. It’s their strength and our power.’’

The Tongan Schoolboys XV ready to tackle the ACT Schoolboys.

Hawke said fans should expect the unexpected from his young side against Tonga’s XV.

“What is exciting is we have Western Sydney kids who may not get noticed because they don’t come through the traditional pathway and this is a big opportunity,’’ he said.

“We have a bit of nark and we will try and use that to our advantage.

The Tonga Schoolboys will play the Barbarians on Monday.

“All these boys have a point to prove. They may have missed out on other pathway, and they want to give it a crack and see where it takes them.”

The Tongans come into the match at Knox College on Monday off two entertaining victories.

Last week they defeated ACT Schools 34–22 at Marist College Canberra and also won the first game against Nowra Anglican at Shellhaven 20-15.

Hawkes said some of the players to watch in the match include youngster, Ben Finnigan, the son of Wallaby gun Owen, and Queenslander Adam Khan who has “awesome feet and speed’’.

Another is John Jacob. “He’s one to keep an eye on for sure,’’ he said.

More from AMANDA LULHAM HERE