Junior Wallabies edge Baby Blacks

In the thrilling and brutal encounter the young Aussie side shot out to a 22-3 lead, only for New Zealand to score 21 second half points. A penalty in the last minute of the match allowed flyhalf Mack Mason to steal victory for the Australians, sparking scenes of jubilation on the field.

"I'm proud of the way we came back after Tuesday, we kept a high work load during training and the way we came back in those last few minutes was very pleasing. I think they showed belief more than anything tonight. I don't think they believe in their own ability enough.

"We have had a tough three years in terms of our schoolboys losing to the Kiwis, which has hurt our confidence with New Zealand and hopefully this win goes a little way in turning that around," Australia head coach Adrian Thompson said.    

Australia started the match in strong form, pouncing on a loose ball from New Zealand and patiently building phases in the New Zealand 22. The Australian backs worked the ball through the hands until Sevens convert, Simon Kennewell scored in the corner. Mack Mason converted from the sideline to give Australia an early 7-0 lead.

Australia continued to maintain possession and earned a penalty from 50 metres out, which Mason converted to take the score to 10-0 in favour of the young men in gold.  

New Zealand found their form and pounded the Australian line for multiple phases but were unable to cross the try line. Jordie Barrett settled for a penalty kick when the Australians infringed, taking the score to 10-3.

Australia made a daring run through the New Zealand line thanks to a deft step by fullback Jack Maddocks that put the Australians in New Zealand's 22. Australia's forwards worked hard against the Kiwi defence, eventually allowing Izack Rodda to score in the corner.

Mack Mason converted the try to take the score to 17-3 where the score remained at half-time.

The first try of the second half went to the Australian side who continued the good form they were playing with in the first half. A line break from Harley Fox supported by Tyrel Lomax broke the New Zealand defence allowing the backs to feed the ball to flier, Joey Fittock who scored in the corner taking Australia's advantage to 22-3.

New Zealand countered with a try of their own shortly afterwards with Caleb Makene breaking through the Australian line to score. New Zealand continued to chase the game and scored two quick tries, including an intercept to take the lead, 24-22 with 10 minutes left in the match.  

With the clock counting down, the Australians desperately fought to get the ball back from New Zealand as the Kiwis held possession. A steal from within in their half allowed Melbourne Rebels centre, Sione Tuipulotu to make a solid break through the line and the Australians patiently built phase after phase on the visitors.

With the final minute of the game upon them, New Zealand infringed at the breakdown and Australian flyhalf Mack Mason was given the responsibility of kicking his side to victory. Mason didn't flinch and calmly slotted the penalty to seal a remarkable victory.

Scorers:

For Australia Under-20s:

Tries: Kennewell, Fittock, Rodda

Cons: Mason 2

Pens: Mason 2

For New Zealand Under-20s:

Tries: Makene, Nock, Lowe

Cons: Barrett 3

Pen: Barrett

Teams:

Australia Under-20s: 15 Jack Maddocks, 14 Simon Kennewell, 13 Liam Jurd, 12 Sione Tuipulotu, 11 Joey Fittock, 10 Mack Mason, 9 Angus Fowler, 8 Maclean Jones (captain), 7 Liam Wright, 6 Angus Scott-Young, 5 Ryan McCauley, 4 Izack Rodda, 3 Tyrel Lomax, 2 Joshua Taylor, 1 Faalelei Sione.

Replacements: 16 Richie Asiatakelemete, 17 Vunipola Fifita, 18 Shambeckler Vui, 19 Rob Leota, 20 Harley Fox, 21 Moses Sorovi, 22 Nick Jooste, 23 Ah-mu Tuimalealiifano.

New Zealand Under-20s: 15 Caleb Makene, 14 Malo Tuitama, 13 Patelesio Tomkinson, 12 Jordie Barrett, 11 Jonah Lowe, 10 Orbyn Leger, 9 Jonathan Taumateine, 8 Marino Mikaele Tu'u, 7 Dalton Papali'i, 6 Luke Jacobson, 5 Sam Caird, 4 Quinten Strange, 3 Alex Fidow, 2 Leni Apisai (captain), 1 Shaun Stodart.

Replacements: 16 Asafo Aumua, 17 Ayden Johnstone, 18 Sean Paranihi, 19 Lui Luamanu, 20 Caleb Aperahama, 21 Sam Nock, 22 Stephen Perofeta, 23 Mason Emerson.

Referee: Graham Cooper (Australia)

Photo credit: Sportography

@Wallabies