Aussies ready to take it to Kiwis after 20s win
JUNIOR Wallabies leader Fraser McReight wants the statement shutout of New Zealand’s crack Under-20s side to signal a successful turnaround for Australian rugby.
Like all good captains, flanker McReight could see a broader picture than just the superb 24-0 victory over the Kiwis on the Gold Coast last Saturday night. “With everything going on in Australian rugby right now, I think it was huge that we won to show that success is coming,” McReight said.
“I can’t remember anyone keeping a Kiwi side to zero and it was a real focus in those closing minutes after the big defence through the game.
“I’d lost my three previous games against NZ at Under-20s and schoolboys level so I could really appreciate it taking a special, tight group of lads to win like that.”
McReight’s forced penalty when he latched onto a Kiwi ball at the breakdown led directly to three points and he timed his short run perfectly for his try. Lineout dominator Michael Wood, headgeared tyro Harry Wilson in the backrow, prop Josh Nasser and hooker Lachy Lonergan were other high performers in a commanding pack.
The win started with superior planning for more camps and more access to leading players so the youngsters weren’t meeting as strangers at the Oceania Under-20s championships last week.
Having a core of Super Rugby players in McReight, Isaac Lucas, Trevor Hosea and Semisi Tupou made a big difference as well as classy guidance from Michael McDonald and Will Harrison.