Aussie Schoolboys thump Kiwis

[Twizzle]

Aussie Schoolboys thump Kiwis

Australian Schoolboys ended 10 years of disappointment with a thrilling 23-17 rugby union victory over New Zealand Schools to reclaim the Trans-Tasman Trophy in Sydney on Tuesday.
Tries to Robert Horne and Afusipa Taumoepeau and 13 points from the boot of flyhalf Matt Toomua earned Australia its first victory over New Zealand since 1997, and just their sixth over the Kiwis since 1978.
Playing before a vocal 2,000 strong crowd at St Josephs College, the hosts started brightly and opened the scoring through a Toomua penalty.
New Zealand responded strongly and following a great run by fullback Charlie Ngatai, the Kiwis quickly moved the ball wide for lock Daniel Faleafa to dive over. Ben Botica converted for a 7-3 lead.
The teams traded penalty goals and the visitors went into halftime leading 10-6.
Toomua opened the second half scoring with a penalty.
Australia regained the lead soon after when Robert Horne sliced through the Kiwis midfield defence to score his team's first try, converted by Toomua.
A clever delayed pass from Toomua found Taumoepeau and the Joeys winger strolled over next to the posts to put the Aussies in a commanding 23-10 lead.
However, a late try to Kiwi winger Julian Savea set up a frantic final minute as Australia's defence hung on for victory.



http://www.theage.com.au/news/Sport/Aussie-Schoolboys-thump-Kiwis/2007/10/09/1191695886931.html

 

[Twizzle]

I saw the highlights on Fox, some pretty skilled kids in this team, especially the halves and an excellent forward pack.

Interesting comments from Ewan McKenzie after the game. " Why are our wingers, who handle the ball a few times in a game, the highest paid players in te game, we should be spending more money on a good young forward pack like this, without them we cant get good service to our backline"

 

[Thomas]

Mate, Australian junior rugby is seriously booming. There are some bloody talented kids coming through.

 

[morri (cWo)]

Afusipas brother captained the aust school boys in 04 i think. Pauliasi or something? where is he now?

 

[aqua_duck]

6 points a thumping these days?

 

[Clive Woody]

Mate, Australian junior rugby is seriously booming. There are some bloody talented kids coming through.

Lets hope they learn how to scrummage better than the current mob!

 

[Johns Magic]

Afusipas brother captained the aust school boys in 04 i think. Pauliasi or something? where is he now?

Pauliasi and Zippa both signed with the Brumbies for next season.

 

[JJ]

1. You haven't won in 10 years or so, and win by 10 pts and it's a thumping???
2. As someone pointed out above, unless you find a couple of front rowers all the skllifull backs in the world won't amount to much

 

[Panther_Daz]

I saw the highlights of this game...Half the Australian side looked islander!

 

[Mal Meninga]

The captain and hooker Fitzpatrick is highly rated but IMO I don't see what the fuss is all about. His speed is a result of hanging out on the wings waiting for the footy but when he does get it, he can out run a back. If he could do the tough stuff than his praise might be justified.

 

[Skinner]

Not really my code, but since when has 23/17 been a thumping ??

 

[Twizzle]

yeah, who would have thought a media headline would be misleading

 

[ozbash]

Mate, Australian junior rugby is seriously booming. There are some bloody talented kids coming through.

certainly hope so.

 

[Johns Magic]

The captain and hooker Fitzpatrick is highly rated but IMO I don't see what the fuss is all about. His speed is a result of hanging out on the wings waiting for the footy but when he does get it, he can out run a back. If he could do the tough stuff than his praise might be justified.

He's got great ballskills and has the biggest chest you will ever see. He is very hard to tackle and he knows how to play the game. He played a lot of number eight before switching to hooker in the last year or two, so his tight-work probably has improvement left in it.

I can't comment on his scrummaging ability, being a back myself, but he's got more to his game than just technical discipline. A genuinely nice guy on the field as well.

 

[Lego_Man]

He's got great ballskills and has the biggest chest you will ever see.

If only he was a woman.

 

[Johns Magic]

If only he was a woman.

:lol:

 

[shiznit]

i wouldnt be too excited... all our top schoolboys are playing in the Air NZ Cup.