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!
Scott Pryde
Expert
Most certainly was. A big hit on Drew and it erupted. Wasn't needed though pretty silly from the Aussies who ran in and sparked it.
up in the north
Roar Rookie
What happened at the end there Scott? Sounded like a bit of argy bargy to end the game.
Scott Pryde
Expert
Thanks for joining me here on the Roar this afternoon for our live coverage of the u/20 Trans Tasman game between Australia and New Zealand as the Kangaroos managed to defeat New Zealand by 2 points in a thriller. Hopefully you enjoyed the coverage! Remember to stick around as I'll be now covering Papua New Guinea vs Fiji. The link is here http://www.theroar.com.au/2015/05/02/papua-new-guinea-vs-fiji-international-rugbyleague-live-scores-blog/ Join me now for that one.
Scott Pryde
Expert
Man of the Match is Tepai Moeroa
Scott Pryde
Expert
FULLTIME: Australia 22 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.
Scott Pryde
Expert
No problems Digger, Exceptional game of Rugby League. Shame about that punch up at the end. Thanks for following along.
Scott Pryde
Expert
80' - New Zealand come right before they go left with a long ball from Dockar Clay to Te Maire. He gets tackled and they have one last roll of the dice down the left but Drew has come up with it for Australia as the siren goes in the back ground. And now its on! Manu had a massive shot on Hutchinson and they came from every where. FULLTIME: AUSTRALIA 22 defeat NEW ZEALAND 20
Digby
Roar Guru
Really enjoyed that game, thanks Scott.
Scott Pryde
Expert
80' - New Zealand working their way up the field fairly well here and an inside ball for Manu gets knocked down by Australia. 25 seconds and a New Zealand scrum about 35 meters out. Australia 22 New Zealand 20
Scott Pryde
Expert
78' - New Zealand now make a mistake and will that be it for them? Australia work it back up the field and Moeroa again pokes his nose through. Taylor kicks on the last and it is dead in goal. 90 seconds to go and a 7 tackle set for New Zealand. Australia 22 New Zealand 20
Scott Pryde
Expert
77' - You must be kidding me! The Australians work it over half way and Hutchinson tries for a percentage kick from half way but puts it out on the full. New Zealand with a massive opportunity. Australia 22 New Zealand 20
Scott Pryde
Expert
76' - New Zealand really need to roll the dice here as Solomona brings it over half way for them. Dockar Clay puts up an attacking bomb but a brilliant take from Valentine Holmes with the kick chase coming through. Australia 22 New Zealand 20
Scott Pryde
Expert
CONVERSION MISSED by ZACH DOCKAR CLAY. Massive miss and still a 2 point game with 5 to go. Australia 22 New Zealand 20
Scott Pryde
Expert
73' - TRY NEW ZEALAND., TONY TUMUSA New Zealand push the scrum here but Australia manage to lock up the ball. Pangai Junior takes the next hit up and throws the worst offload you will ever see but Australia have kept it somehow. Now they make a mistake 40 meters out with some great defensive pressure from the Kiwis. Tumusa takes the ball and tip toes down the sideline with Holmes coming at him. Tumusa managed to avoid Holmes and scores in the corner! Wow! Australia 22 New Zealand 20
Scott Pryde
Expert
71' - Australia work it forward and they find themselves in space. Hutchinson grubbers for Drew and he regathers before offloading. they shift left before an awesome intercept by Watson Heleta. He looked to be away but how quick is Taylor. He comes from the other side of the fielf to shut him down and with help from Hutchinson takes Heleta over the sideline. Australia 22 New Zealand 16
Scott Pryde
Expert
70' - Australia have now used all their interchanges which is a bit of a worry for them. Meanwhile New Zealand bring it over half way and Martin toes it through but Holmes has come up with it for Australia and they are in some good field position here. Australia 22 New Zealand 16
Scott Pryde
Expert
69' - Australia coming right down onto the attack now and Matt Lodge gets to within a couple of meters following a strong run. Now Hutchinson kicks but didn't pose to many questions and well taken by Isaako. Australia 22 New Zealand 16
Scott Pryde
Expert
68' - New Zealand start their set with a scrum from about 10 meters behind half way and straight away they make a half break but a shocker of a pass from Levi to Dockar Clay and a dropped ball for the Kiwis just over half way. Australia 22 New Zealand 16
Scott Pryde
Expert
66' - Australia with a solid looking set and they spread to the right. Jai Arrow is down in back play but Australia have made a mistake just over half way before they can get to their kick. Arrow gets back up now. Australia 22 New Zealand 16
Scott Pryde
Expert
CONVERSION SUCCESSFUL by JACKSON HASTINGS Australia 22 New Zealand 16