Australian schoolboys and under 18s out to end their drought against New Zealand schools
It’s been way too long since the Australian schoolboys beat their New Zealand counterparts and it is a motivating factor for the young touring players.
Wentworth Courier
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Their last win was back in 2012 and this drought is a major motivator for the Australian rugby schools team ahead of their match-up with their New Zealand counterparts next week.
The two schoolboy teams have been sizing up since the 1970s with the Australians in Hamilton late next week for their latest encounter.
“It’s been seven years so it’s an exciting challenge for the guys. We have a lot of talented players here,’’ said coach Pete Hewat.
“There is a lot of ability in the team, they are a tight group and we have picked on form.’’
Hewat said a strength of the side is the return of seven players from last season’s campaign.
“It’s nice to have some guys return and understand what we are wanting to do,’’ he said.
“The experience from last year will help.
“We are in a good space. It’s how quickly we connect.’’
Hewat said the Australians are bracing for New Zealand to bring their best to the game on October 4.
“They are a skilled, physical team. They have been producing full blown All Blacks for years now.’’
Hewat said the Australian schoolboys also have a history of identifying rising talent with Izack Rodda playing in 2014, Wallabies winger Reece Hodge in the 2012 team alongside Jack Dempsey and Allan Alaalatoa representing back in 2011
Australia will play the New Zealand Barbarian Schools at Hamilton Boys High School on Sunday.
The match against New Zealand Schools is on October 4 at St Pauls Collegiate, Hamilton.
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Australian schoolboys and under 18s squads for New Zealand tour:
Lachlan Albert, St Ignatius’ College, Brumbies Academy, Anthony Alofipo, Erindale College, Brumbies Academy, George Blake, The Southport School, Reds Academy, Hugh Bokenham, St Joseph’s College Hunters Hill, Waratahs Academy, Daniel Botha, The Scots College, Waratahs Academy, Joe Brial, The Scots College, Waratahs Academy, John Connolly, The King’s School, NSW Waratahs, Joshua Flook, Brothers Rugby Club, Reds Academy.
George Gibson, Brisbane Boys College, Reds Academy, Carter Gordon, Wests Rugby Club, Queensland Reds, Malachi Hawkes, Trinity College, Waratahs Academy, Thomas Hooper, Tuggeranong Vikings, Brumbies Academy, Tolutau Koula, Newington College, Waratahs Academy, Alexander Masibaka, Aranmore College, Rugby WA Academy, Hamish Moore, The Scots College, Waratahs Academy, Zane Nonggorr, The Southport School, Reds Academy.
Reesjan Pasitoa, St Joseph’s College Nudgee, Brumbies, Billy Pollard, Barker College, Waratahs Academy, William Roach, UQ Rugby Club, Reds Academy, Dion Samuela, The Southport School, Reds Academy, Joseph Aukuso Suaalii, The King’s School, Waratahs Academy, Keynan Tauakipulu, St Peter’s College, Reds Academy, Kalani Thomas, Ipswich Grammar School, Reds Academy, Zephania Tuinona, Queanbeyan Whites, Brumbies Academy