Baby Wallabies score incredible All Blacks shutout on Gold Coast

An inspired band of Junior Wallabies have produced an incredible shutout to beat New Zealand’s elite Under-20s for the first time since 2016 on the Gold Coast.

The future’s bright for the Wallabies. Picture: RugbyAU Media/Stuart Walmsley

An inspired band of Junior Wallabies have produced a stunning 24-0 shutout to beat New Zealand’s elite Under-20s for the first time since 2016 on the Gold Coast.

Strong-running backrow standout Harry Wilson and his red headgear were everywhere while halfback Michael McDonald was a clever organiser in the Oceania Under-20s final on Saturday night at Bond University.

The victory was a triumph for the preparation shake-up which produced vastly improved team cohesion after the modest fifth at last year’s World Under-20s Championships in France.

The future’s bright for the Wallabies. Picture: RugbyAU Media/Stuart Walmsley

Flyhalf Will Harrison kicked four penalty goals for the 12-0 halftime lead and a superb trysaving tackle by fullback Isaac Lucas kept the Kiwis scoreless in that period.

The Kiwis looked set to close the gap midway through the second half when camped on the Australian line for a series of scrums but a decisive turnover of possession triggered the matchwinning try 95m downfield.

Centre Noah Lolesio drilled a perfect cross-field kick to Randwick’s leaping winger Triston Reilly, who roped in the ball for the try and 17-0.

McDonald’s final act was a beautifully delayed pass to put impressive skipper Fraser McReight over with 10 minutes to play.

Impressive 24-0 win by the Junior Wallabies over Junior All Blacks. Back five immense - Wood, Ha'angana, Wilson, McReight and Harris - and so too McDonald at 9. Also keep an eye on winger Mark Nawaqanitawase.

— Iain Payten (@iainpayten) May 4, 2019

Lock Michael Wood’s lineout steals, Harrison’s composure, the well-drilled teamwork, a 25m driving maul off a lineout, prop Josh Nasser’s scrum work and Wilson’s barking energy were all prominent in a significant show of strength from Generation Next.

World Rugby chief executive Brett Gosper, a former Australian Under-21s player, presented the trophy and knew exactly how hard such a victory was.

“You can’t win them all (New Zealand), you usually do ... sorry,” Gosper said with an enthusiastic crowd cheering.

JUNIOR WALLABIES 24 (T Reilly, F McReight tries; W Harrison 4 pen goals, conv) bt NZ Under-20s 0

Originally published as Baby Wallabies score incredible All Blacks shutout on Gold Coast