Australia U18 v New Zealand schools rugby stars, standouts, match result, action photos
Rugby’s U18s rising stars have done something few other Aussie teams have managed in recent times - completing a shock and awe mission across the ditch for two wins. Stars, result wrap
Australia’s U18s rising stars have done something few other Aussie rugby teams have managed in recent times - completing a shock and awe mission across the ditch for two victories against New Zealand sides in less than a week.
Led by the son of a former Wallaby, the young Australians backed up from their first win over the New Zealand Barbarians to take another on Sunday against the New Zealand Schools side in Waikata.
It was a great result for a new generation of Australian rugby players hoping to rewrite Australia’s recent rugby history against New Zealand in upcoming years.
“It’s a very special achievement for this group of young men and we are very proud of them,’’ said coach Shannon Fraser.
“We adjusted a few things from the first game, bought more intent in our defence, had better collision work and took the lions share of possession.
“As I said to the boys it’s a special thing to beat New Zealand at home and in the heartland of their culture. It’s a bit of history for them.’’
The win followed on from Australia’s 57-47 win over the New Zealand Barbarians described by their coach Shannon Taylor “a little clunky last week. MATCH REPORT
Australia lead 19-12 at halftime in the match before taking the match 39-31 with some tough defence late in the game.
Some of the stars of the show for Australia included explosive fullback and Shore student Rex Bassingthwaighte who opened the scoring for Australia in Waikato.
Josh Takai from the Brothers Rugby Club, stood out in his pink had gear and for his try scoring with NSW halfback Angus Grover also going over in the first half of the match as Australia move out to a seven point lead.
“There were some immense performances, everyone played to their capacity,’’ Fraser said.
“Angus Grover was solid around he ruck, Eli Langi was excellent and Tom (Robinson) led the group well,.
“There were some opretty special moments from Kinglsey Uys.’’
Big Uys, from the Southport school, had the commentators in raptures with his bolshie display while Zach Fittler, another of their favourites, came off the bench in his second Test with around five minutes to play.
“Our set piece held up well; and I; ve got lots of wraps on out tight five in and around the set piece.
“I think right across the board we were good. Josh (Takai) and Frankie (Goldsbrough, vice-captain) were better together and our back five in our scrum were good.”
Try scorers also included Nick Conway from Nudgee College, Uys and Heamasi Makasini.
Only minor changes were made to the team which took on the Barbarians last week.
Nick Conway started alongside Makasini and Bassingthwaighte and prop Hayden Lavercombe was added to the reserves.
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Australia U18 vs. New Zealand Schools
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. Nick Conway - Nudgee College, 15. Rex Bassingthwaighte - The Shore School.
Reserves 16. Ewald Kruger - GPS Rugby Club, 17. Nick Hill - Barker College
18. Hayden Lavercombe - The King’s School, 19. Avery Thomson - GPS Rugby Club, 20. Luca Cleverley - Newington College 22. Sam Blank - St Augustine’s College, 23. Zach Fittler - The Scots College, 26. TJ Talaileva - Barker College
NZ Schools 1. Charlie Wallis – Auckland Grammar. 2. Tyi Sinkinson – Tauranga Boys College. 3. Thomas Jennings – Southland BHS. 4. Finn McLeod – Christchurch BHS. 5. Johnny Falloon – Rathkeale College. 6. Saumaki Saumaki – Nelson College. 7. Aio Keith – Kelston BHS. 8. Aidan Spratley – Tauranga Boys College. 9. Charlis Sinton (C) – Tauranga Boys College. 10. Mason Verster – Tauranga Boys College. 11. Siale Pahulu – St Kentigern College. 12. Jarrel Tuaimalo Vaega – Kelston BHS. 13. Nico Stanley – Auckland Grammar. 14. Oliver Guerin – Hamilton BHS. 15. Cohen Norrie (VC) – Sacred Heart College. 16. Josh Findlay – Christchurch BHS. 17. James Moore – Christchurch BHS. 18. Liam Van der Heyden – Hamilton BHS. 19. Bradley Toker – Palmerston North BHS. 20. Jake Hutchings – Rotorua BHS. 21. Oliver Gibbons – Nelson College. 22. Harry Inch – Nelson College. 23. JD Van der Westhuizen – Westlake BHS.
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