Australia U18s have primed themselves perfectly for Sunday’s match with the New Zealand Schools with a 57-47 win over the NZ Barbarians in Hamilton.
Prop Kingsley Uys and backrower Heinz Lemoto were the standouts in a strong day for the forwards as the front-rower crossed for a double.
They were joined in kind by centre Frankie Goldsbrough and winger Heamasi Makasini in a shootout
The match started in true Barbarians style as the Kiwis worked a nice rolling maul for the opening try.
The Aussies were quick to respond as impressive backrower Heniz Lemoto broke the line in the fourth minute, with powerful prop Kingsley Uys crashing over the line for the response.
Shannon Fraser’s side then produced the try of the day with a brilliant length-of-the-field try that started with a stolen lineout inside their 22.
It unleashed Reds centre Frankie Goldsbrough, who raced away to find fullback Rex Bassingthwaighte as the speedster drew his man for Hemasi Makasani to beat three defenders and corner in the corner.
NZ Barbarians kept in the fight and scored twice to re-take the lead shortly, only for some smart bursts from Angus Grover delivering the opportunity for hooker John Grenfell to dive over at the 30 minute mark.
His halves partner Jonty Fowler delivered some magic three minutes later to re-take the lead for Australia, picking up the loose ball and re-gathering his kick to dive over in the corner.
Makasni’s second and a pair of great sideline conversions from Fowler gave Australia a commanding 38-21 half-time lead.
The Barbarians hit back after the break as Reimana Saunderson-Rurawhe crossed for his second, followed by Rupeni Raviwaya.
However, the Australians were unfazed as a great flick offload from Goldsbrough put Tom Howard into space for the response.
Uys continued his impressive afternoon as he barged over for a double to bring up the half-century for Australia, with back-rower Eli Langi extending the lead.
The Barbarians scored two consolation tries late with the game already wrapped up for the Australians.
