New Zealand Secondary Schools have drawn first blood in their two-game series against NSW Combined High Schools in Rotorua today.
The New Zealand team won the match 22-18 at Puketawhero Park.
The home side was never headed throughout opening up a 10-point margin early in the second half through a try to wing Lewis Soosemea and holding off a strong finish from the visitors.
New Zealand enjoyed an early period of domination when the Aussies allowed the opening kick-off to bounce into touch. Moments later five-eighth Neal Tai chased down a kick from Zae Wallace behind the try-line to open the scoring.
Big prop Oregon Kaufusi charged over for a try that was converted to bring NSW level at 6-6 but when the Kiwis scored either side of the break, they had a firm grip on the contest.