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u/20 Australia 22
defeat
u/20 New Zealand 20
What a game of Rugby League that was! The Under 20’s Trans Tasman rivalry has heated up again in 2015 and Australia have taken out a thriller by 2 points against New Zealand at CBus Super Stadium on the Gold Coast. Neither team ever gave up there and it was an exceptional game to watch with free flowing football aided by relatively high completion rates from both sides throughout along with some brilliant attack and spirited defence at times.
Australia kicked the scoring off early through Brenko Lee in a sea sawing first half in which they took a 4 point advantage foillowing a try on half time to Valentine Holmes with one of the most incredible bounces of a football you will ever see after he chipped over the top for himself. Other scorers from the first half were Robert Jennings for Australia along with Manu and Te Maire Martin from the New Zealand side.
The second half was another brilliant half of football that regularly changed momentum with no team able to get a grip on the game. New Zealand opened the second half scoring through Watson Heleta as they took the lead. Australia then hit back with a penalty goal to square the game and set up a thrilling finale. Tepai Moreoa then scored with a brilliant run down the left hand side before New Zealand hit back, the difference in the end being a conversion with a couple of minutes to go. New Zealand had a chance to score at the end but Australia managed to hold them out.
So many brilliant players on ground and a great game of footy.
The best under 20s players running around in all levels of rugby league for Australia and New Zealand will lock horns in what is sure to be an entertaining and high scoring battle to begin a triple header of international rugby league at CBus Super Stadium on the Gold Coast. Join The Roar from 2:45pm (AEST) for live scores and coverage.
This promises to be a very entertaining clash between these sides. Both have plenty of skill, but unlike a regular under 20’s game don’t expect either side to lay down in defence as the passion of playing for their country comes to the fore.
For Australia on the team front we see plenty of players in the squad with NRL experience, names like Brenko Lee, Robert Jennings, Jordan Drew, Valentine Holmes, Joe Ofahengaue, Matthew Lodge, and Tepai Moeroa. Euan Aitken was also originally in the squad but has been forced to pull out with a hamstring injury.
In particular Valentine Holmes has burst onto the scene incredibly this year and in some quarters is already being talked about as a possible State of Origin representative despite having just a handful of first grade games.
Another player who is very close to first grade is Jayden Nikorima. The Broncos junior has been outshone by his brother Kodi Nikorima so far this year but Jayden is equally as talented. Another talented duo in the Australian side is halves pairing Drew Hutchinson of the St George Illawarra Dragons and Ashley Taylor of the Brisbane Broncos. Both players have been earmarked for big things in the future.
For New Zealand, we see a very less known team and hardly any NRL experience. The halves pairing of Zach Dockar Clay who is touted for big things along with the lesser known Te Maire Martin of the Wests Tigers. They formed the halves pairing for the New Zealand under 20 team in 2014 and so already have experience at this level. Martin in particular was named in the Holden Cup team of the year for 2014 so these two could form the key to the result of the match.
A name in the New Zealand side that has drawn some attention online is Watson Heleta. He debuted in the National Youth Cup in 2014 scoring more than a try a game, including four in a Round 20 fixture against the Dragons. He should be matched up against Robert Jennings and this promises to be a fascinating battle.
The New Zealand forward pack as expected has some monster players in it. Lamar Liolevave has made his first grade debut for the Tigers this year whilst front rower Nelson Asofa – Solomona is two meters tall and weighs in at 115kg.
Another point that must be taken into account is that no video referee will be used in accordance to Holden Cup rules.
The history of the under 20s Australia vs New Zealand contest is all squared up at 3-3, meaning no team can really hold a historical edge over their opponents.
Prediction: New Zealand will certainly put in a massive effort, but the Australian side should have just a bit too much for them across the park, and certainly more NRL experience.
Australia by 12.
Join The Roar from 2:45pm (AEST) as the triple header of international rugby league on the Gold Coast begins with this clash between the junior Kangaroos and Kiwis. Be sure to leave your comments and thoughts throughout the game in the section below!