Australia and New Zealand continue winning run in Oceania Rugby Junior Championship
Australia and New Zealand will meet in what is effectively a final of the Oceania Rugby Junior Championship with the winner of that clash to be crowned champions of the tournament.
In the two matches played on Tuesday 5 May both match favourites New Zealand and Australia were made to earn their victories with Samoa and Japan desperate to topple their respective opponents.
The final matches of the Oceania Rugby Junior Championship will occur on Saturday 9 May kicking off with Samoa against Japan at 1pm on the Gold Coast. Australia against New Zealand kicks off at 3pm.
All matches will be streamed live through rugby.com.au.
Australia 47 defeated Japan 31
The Australian U20’s have won their second match of the Oceania Rugby Junior Championship, despite a scare by a strong Japanese side.
The lead changed eight times as both sides wrestled for supremacy, but ultimately Australia was able to hold out for the win, 47-31.
Australian Head Coach Adrian Thompson was disappointed with the performance.
“I am relieved we had the patience to eventually win the match.
“However there were many elements of our performance that were lacklustre that we must rectify.
“We’ll put that win behind us and get back into training.
“Full credit to Japan who really wanted the win today.”
New Zealand 36 defeated Samoa 14
The New Zealand U20’s side has won their second match of the Oceania Rugby Junior Championship defeating Samoa 36-14 at Bond University on the Gold Coast on Tuesday.
New Zealand scored five tries to Samoa’s two in what was often a brutal clash between the two nations.
New Zealand U20’s Head Coach, Scott Robertson was relieved his side were able to overcome Samoa.
“Tough sums up. They forced us into errors, they were really aggressive and they got off the line. We couldn’t get any continuity or tempo.
“When you play a team like this you have do those micro things around the breakdown really well and the game can flow from there.
“It was great to have this sort of game before we get to the World Cup.
“We’re really excited (to play Australia). We’ll get a new 15 out for us and it gives our players to play for places and to play for a trophy.”
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