New Zealand Schools claim series after shootout with Australian Schools & U18s

Mon, Oct 2, 2023, 6:19 PM
Nathan Williamson
by Nathan Williamson
The Australian Schools and U18s went down to New Zealand in the second Test.Photo: RA Media
The Australian Schools and U18s went down to New Zealand in the second Test.Photo: RA Media

New Zealand Schools have claimed a clean sweep with a 55-36 win over Australian Schools and U18s in Canberra.

Both teams combined for 13 tries in the free-flowing affair as the Kiwis backed up Friday's opening Test with a strong win.

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The Aussies came out full of energy and were rewarded with an early try to centre Dre Pakeho in the fifth minute.

The visitors refused to panic and responded with two tries of their own for a 17-7 lead after 25 minutes.

Number eight Toby Brial impressed in his debut start of the series. Having nearly crossed for the opener, the vice-captain was there to finish off an expansive Australian try before adding his second shortly afterwards to restore Australia's lead.

Having proved the hero in the opener, New Zealand captain Ollie Mathis once again showed why he is one of the brightest prospects in World Rugby with a try shortly afterwards.

New Zealand winger Tevita Naufahu added his second on the stroke of half-time to give the visitors a 29-24 lead at the break.

Mathis added his second at the 50-minute mark, allowing the New Zealanders to race away with the contest.

It started two minutes later when an incredible flick pass from hooker Manumaua Letiu put winger Kiseki Fifita over in the corner untouched.

Replacement Shaun Kempton was next to cross for the Kiwis, followed over by fellow front-rower Logan Wallace, who finished off yet another Mathis break.

Tries to Luca Cleverley and Boston Fakafanua in the final ten minutes helped reduce the margin for the Aussies.

However, the Kiwis were too strong as they closed out the series.

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