New Zealand U20 storm back to beat Australia U20 in TRC thriller

New Zealand U20 have started their quest for a third consecutive Rugby Championship crown with a 34-29 win over Australia U20 in Gqeberha, fighting their way back from a 12-point half-time deficit during an eventful second 40.

There were five different try-scorers for the New Zealanders, with fullback Cohen Norrie finishing with a double. It was a thrilling contest that came right down to the wire at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium.

The New Zealanders set the tone early by dominating possession, which ultimately led to points. An Australian player was penalised for not releasing, which allowed Highlanders prospect Mika Muliaina to kick for the corner.

New Zealand set up for a maul but the Australians defended that well. The backline spread the ball wide left across two phases, which saw Norrie skip pass a defender to score the opening try of the contest right on four minutes.

But with the Australians looking to hit back immediately, their forwards laid down a marker. Australia made their way into the attacking red zone for the first time, with New Zealand conceding a penalty for offside.

Fly-half Finn Mackay kicked for touch, with Australia setting up for a lineout about five metres out from the. After the set-piece, the Aussies played with some momentum in attack, before Marshall Le Maitre crashed over for a five-pointer.

Mackay added the extras to give Australia the lead, but they weren’t done there. Cooper Watters was involved in a break along the left sideline, as the Aussies looked to extend their advantage immediately in this TRC opener.

Outside centre Leo Jaques beat a defender on the inside, slicing through New Zealand’s defensive line before touching down for the significant score. But the TMO ruled out the effort moments later for obstruction.

New Zealand went gown the other end and regained the lead, with Henry Stuart powering over for the go-ahead points. With the successful conversion, the New Zealanders raced out to a 12-7 lead after 16 minutes.

But the Aussies hit back soon after through Riley Whitfield, who beat a couple of defenders to level the game at 12-all. Mackay was instrumental in the team’s first-half fightback, leading the way as the Aussies took a 24-12 advantage into the sheds.

Mackay set up replacement Taione Taka with a superb cut-out pass, before the Queensland Reds talent crossed for a five-pointer of his own. It was a 12-point ballgame at the break, but there was a sense that another TRC U20 thriller was playing out between the traditional rivals.

Norrie struck first early in the second term, with the fullback making it a one-score game with his second of the afternoon. The outside back skipped past a defender with a goose step before diving in for the five-pointer near the left sideline.

The match took a turn in the 53^rd minute when Watters was shown a red card for a dangerous clean-out. Australia still managed to score the next try, but the final 20 minutes was controlled by the New Zealanders.

Haki Wiseman crossed in the 63^rd minute, before Caleb Woodley added to New Zealand’s score soon after. Logan Williams put the New Zealanders in front with a try late in the piece, touching down with less than 15 to play.

Australia had a Louie Fenwicke try disallowed inside the final 10 minutes for a knock-on and Eli Langi was later held up over the line. New Zealand hung on for a thrilling five-point triumph, starting their quest for a third consecutive TRC title on a winning note.