The New Zealand Secondary Schools rugby league team were at their powerful best in the 44-4 dismantling of their New South Wales counterparts last night.The game, played at Puketawhero Park in Rotorua, was expected to be as close and competitive as it had been in recent years. However, the Kiwi side flew out of the blocks and never looked back against a NSW Combined High Schools side left to rue a handful of missed opportunities in the first half.
It was a victory on home soil for Rotorua Boys' High School students Tom Ale, Tukimihia Simpkins and Selesitino Ravutaumada. Ale in particular was absolutely rampant against NSW, skittling defenders with ease.
NSW had the best of the try-scoring opportunities in the opening minutes, but forward passes and handling errors at crucial moments let them down.
Ten minutes into the game it was New Zealand five-eighth Sione Moala who broke the deadlock with a perfectly executed grubber into the in-goal, which he chased down himself to score. He converted his own try to give the Kiwis a 6-0 lead.
The teams spent the next 20 minutes going toe-to-toe in the middle of the field, with the NSW side enjoying the best of the opportunities. New Zealand absorbed the pressure before going on the attack and producing a well worked try to winger Kayal Iro in the left-hand corner.