New Zealand schoolboys on fire
New Zealand showed their rugby strength at schoolboy level by dominating the international tournament at Porirua Park last week.
The New Zealand top lineup, and the B team, called the Barbarians, dominated their Fijian and Australian opposition in matches last Tuesday and Saturday.
There was a boilover in the first round when the Barbarians upset Australian Schools 39-21.
The game began sensationally when Australian first-five Jordan Jackson-Hope was red carded in the second minute for a spear tackle on Barbarians halfback Liam Howley. After that, the visitors were always struggling.
The matches on Saturday drew a good crowd that packed the grandstand. Though it hailed during the anthems, the final match was played in sunny weather.
Spectators had much to enjoy – both home teams again won, and the top New Zealand side, coached by former All Black prop Dave Hewett, outplayed their Australian counterparts, 34-24. Scores: Tuesday: New Zealand Barbarians Schools 39 (Losi Filipo, D’Angelo Leuila, Caleb Makene, Paripari Parkinson, Shelford Murray tries; Leuila 4 conversions, 2 penalties) beat Australian Schools 21 (Harrison Goddard, Jordan Fulivai tries; Goddard conversion, 3 penalties). New Zealand Schools 58 (Rieko Ioane 2, Hapakuki Moala- Liava’a 2, Lui Okeamoa-Luamanu, Sam Nock, Alex Fidow, Malo Tuitama, Jonah Lowe, Jordan Trainor tries; Trainor 4 conversions) beat Fiji Schools 0.
Saturday: New Zealand Barbarians Schools 22 (Shelford Murray 2, Jarrod Adams tries; D’Angelo Leuila 2 conversions, penalty) beat Fiji Schools 16 (Edward Sawailau, Jone Tuva tries; Manasa Mataele, Sela Toga penalties). New Zealand Schools 34 (Sam Nock 2, Jonah Lowe, Sio Tomkinson tries; Jordan Trainor 2 penalties, 4 conversions) beat Australian Schools 24 ( Izaia Perese, Connor Moroney, Gavin Luka tries; Harrison Goddard 3 conversions, penalty).