Australian schools rugby medal matches feature next Gen Wallabies, Super Rugby guns

One team is smarting from missing the final last year while the other faces a tough test to defending their Australian school boys rugby crown. Medal match-ups for the final day.

Day two action between NSW I and NSW Juniors. Picture: Rachael Wright.

The NSW I team is smarting from missing the final last year while their nemesis NSW II face a tough test to defend their Australian schoolboys rugby crown when the best players from the NSW schools system clash in the decider of the famous tournament on Thursday.

The Australian schools rugby finale will be an all-NSW affair with Queensland I battling NSW Juniors for thee bronze medal at the tournament being played at the Sunshine Coast Stadium in Queensland.

Both NSW I and II coasted through the rounds to set up a much-anticipated battle with each other but there is or than just pride on the line.

Australian selectors and heads of talent ID pathways and programs are all watching on with interest.

Two national squads will be selected in the wake of the tournament - the Australian U18s and an Australian school boys team - for a series of battles later this year.

NSW II coach Kieran Wallace said his players are always hungry to knock off the No.1 side.

Day 2 off the Australian Schools Rugby Championships on the Sunshine Coast, Queensland. Picture: ASRU Rachel Wright.

“It’s the ultimate challenge,’’ Wallace said.

“A lot of these boys probably felt like they deserved a ones jumper so it’s their opportunity to demonstrate their capabilities and go head to head against their mates.’’

NSW I coach Anthony Calavassy said his players know they need to step up to avenge the NSW I team missing a spot in the final last year.

Day 2 of the Australian Schools Rugby Championships on the Sunshine Coast, Queensland. Picture: ASRU Rachel Wright.

“We are having fun, that’s the main thing,’’ said Calavassy after beating Queensland I to book a spot in the grand final.

“They (NSW 1) are going to be feeling like they have a point to prove.

“We have addressed saying we are the team to beat. The pressure is on us and we have to thrive and enjoy that pressure.

“We are the premier team and we have to stand by that and we really want to stick it to them.’’

Day 2 of the Australian Schools Rugby Championships on the Sunshine Coast, Queensland. Picture: ASRU Rachel Wright.

The NSW I side play the NSW II outfit at 1.30pm on Thursday

The bronze medal match will be between the NSW Juniors and Queensland I at 11.30am.

After beating Western Australia 48-5 in their opening match on Monday, Queensland I went down 38-5 to NSW I on Tuesday afternoon.

NSW Juniors put a 55-13 scoreline on Victoria in their opening clash before falling to NSW II 51-29 on Tuesday.

Both teams have shown glimpses of spark and firepower but will need to put together a full 70 minute performance if they are to secure a spot on the podium on Thursday.

Friday will see the Australian schoolgirls 7s tournament begin in the under-18 and under-16 divisions.This event is also being watched by Australian selectors looking for young talent for teams to travel to New Zealand later this year for a Global Sevens event.

Originally published as Australian schools rugby medal matches feature next Gen Wallabies, Super Rugby guns