New Zealand U18 Boys fight back from 17-0 but can't catch electric Australia

After the Australian Girls took the bragging rights over their trans-Tasman rivals in the opening game of the 2025 Global Youth Sevens, it was then the boys’ turn to make it a double dose of disappointment for the hosts.

After 14 lung-busting minutes in Auckland, the Australians managed to do just that, hanging on for a five-point victory after a second-half Kiwi comeback attempt.

It was a dream start for Australia, with a flying take of the kickoff winning possession back, before Treyvon Pritchard danced his way around two Kiwi defenders and broke the line to score a brilliant solo try.

New Zealand had the bulk of the next three minutes with the ball in hand to make something happen, but the Australian defence held firm, and New Zealand’s second handling error of the play found the waiting arms of Chayse Geros, who reached the tryline untouched for a 12-o lead.

Another New Zealand handling error, followed by a high tackle, kept the momentum in Australia’s favour. The visitors continued to look lively and dangerous with the ball, and IZiah Lolohea drew two players in centre field before the ball found Bailey Roberts on the wing, who produced the pace to finish. Halftime score: 17-0, Australia.

New Zealand struck back to start the second period when Australia fumbled the ball on the ground, gifting James Tuituba the chance to run, splinter the line and deliver a try assist to Jake Hill.

The hosts’ defence resisted with more promise after play resumed, but Australia kept chipping away and were eventually rewarded after Thomas O’Hara got them over halfway and Bailey Roberts found open space down the blindside of an ensuing ruck.

Cam Jones looked light on his feet when coming on for New Zealand, and accelerated through the defensive line before running 60 metres to score shortly after play resumed.

The hosts were down 12 with 12 minutes played, two remaining, when Brayden Neilson broke into the Australian 22. From there, the ball was flung wide, and while Australia had covered the open space by the time the ball had bounced into Rupeni Raviyawa’s arms, the No.6 was good enough to step and power over the line. A superb conversion cut the Australian lead to five.

Just 28 seconds were left on the clock when the restart was kicked. New Zealand challenged in the air but were penalised for the contact. Australia took a quick tap and decided to chip and chase, only for New Zealand to come up with it and have one last shot at victory.

The hosts didn’t make it as far as halfway, however, with a knock-on ending, the match with Australia harbouring a 24-19 lead.