Oliver Smith's double helps Australia U18 rally to beat NZ Schools in thriller

Australia U18 have come up clutch against New Zealand Schools, beating the hosts 40-33 at St Paul’s Collegiate in Hamilton, in an end-to-end battle.

Dale Roberson’s side, clearly the most impressive team at the tournament, came from behind to overpower the Kiwis in Hamilton. Despite the home side leading 19-12 at the break, Australia burst out of the blocks after halftime to stun New Zealand Schools on Sunday evening.

The first half was a thrilling contest filled with lead changes and big moments, with both sets of captains coming up with huge plays on both sides of the ball.

The home side, coached by New Zealand Pathways coach Kane Jury, looked the more threatening with ball in hand, but the Australian defence held strong on several occasions.

Whatever Roberson said at halftime worked, as Australia were much more physical in the collision area in the second forty minutes. Australia’s captain, Justice Taumoepeau, was inspirational, while Oliver Smith’s finishing ability at the back of a rolling maul proved to be the difference.

Both sides attacked ferociously in the opening stages, but New Zealand were offered the first real opportunity of the contest.

Rogers carried strongly in midfield, before a sweeping backline move put Southland Boys’ Jack Brock through a half-gap on the right-hand side.

Brock shoved Jack Plamondon out of the way, to smash the ball down for the opening try of the game. New Zealand first-five Fletcher Cooper slotted the conversion off the tee to take a 7-0 lead early.

Australia’s forwards rolled up their sleeves in the next phase of play, getting themselves into a dangerous position deep inside the Kiwis’ 22-metre line.

Harrison Asi carried powerfully before James Smith had the easy task of shifting the ball on to Taj Scarr to respond in the corner. Wilson Ruthven pushed the conversion, but the response was promising for Australia.

Australia’s first try seemed to motivate them physically and mentally, taking advantage of some ill-discipline by Jury’s side. Australia got the rolling maul moving, and despite it taking a while to gain momentum, it was powerful enough to give Oliver Smith yet another try in the competition. This time, Ruthven made no mistake with the conversion.

Both teams had their moments in the next 15 minutes, including strong plays from Australian captain Justice Taumoepeau, Rogers, and Nico Stanley.

The Kiwis had a penalty advantage close to Australia’s line, but Cooper saw the space on the left wing, slinging a cross-kick to Matthew Fleming, who dived and planted the ball over the try line.

It was a reward for New Zealand’s dominance, which they then extended minutes later.

Cooper was at the forefront of yet another try; this time, his right-foot step got him through a gap in the Australian defence, before a sharp inside ball to Nico Stanley saw the Auckland Grammar midfielder stroll in under the posts.

Australia weren’t going to go down without a fight, though, pushing to level the score late in the first half. Robertson’s side couldn’t execute as New Zealand held on to a lead at the break.

HT: 19-12 to New Zealand Schools.

The visitors started the second forty minutes on top, with another rolling maul causing trouble for the Kiwis. Smith got his hands on the ball at the back, showcasing composure to anchor the maul and carry it over the line to level the score at 19 all.

Fleming was at it again; this time the Westlake Boys High School outside back broke through the Australian defence. His right-hand fend beat a couple of defenders at ease, before his pace was too much to handle.

The seesaw battle continued less than ten minutes later, with Australia dotting down to the left of the posts through Asi. The imposing lock darted to the left of the ruck, extending his arm out to hit back for Robertson’s side.

Ruthven added the extras from close range, to take the scores to 26-apiece with 20 minutes to play.

Australia seemed to take the game by the scruff of the neck as Asi crossed, forcing the Kiwis to make another unforced error close to their own line.

Bloomfield was prevalent with his ball-carrying ability as Australia looked for the lead, finally powering over the line despite last-ditch efforts by the New Zealand defence.

The knockout blow by Australia came in the 76th minute, with Tahj Smith creating the space for Izak Holmes to cross to clinch victory in a thrilling, end-to-end contest.

Replacement New Zealand Schools halfback Carlos Nordstrom dotted down late, but it wasn’t enough for Jury’s side as the full-time hooter sounded.

FT: 40-33 to Australia U18 over New Zealand Schools.