Two-try bursts in the final 10 minutes of each half helped the Junior Kangaroos to a convincing 24-16 win against the Junior Kiwis tonight.
A tight match with equal measures of creativity and poor handling was broken open just before halftime when Australia were rewarded for a period of sustained
pressure, crossing for tries through fullback Dane Gagai after a line bust close to the line, and an intercept try to wing Michael Oldfield after a 90m dash.
That put Australia ahead 10-6 at halftime after impressive Junior Kiwis halfback Shaun Johnson had created space for centre Siuatonga Likiliki to outstrip his defender and open the scoring after 18 minutes.
Both teams had opportunities but were let down by handling when the tryline beckoned, though Australia were more clinical.
Their centre, Justin O'Neill, was superbly held up by Junior Kiwis second rower Jason Taumalolo early in the second half, but 5min later he got his name on the scoresheet after a dart from dummy half.
The Junior Kiwis hinted at a late surge when Johnson's crossfield kick found wing Drury Low, but the Junior Kangaroos closed the game out with another two-try burst in the final 10 minutes, Gagai and hooker Cameron King dotting down.
Johnson crossed for a consolation try to complete a tidy individual performance.
The second of two tests is at Rotorua next Saturday.
Junior Kangaroos 24 (Dane Gagai 2, Michael Oldfield, Justin O'Neill, Cameron King tries; King 2 goals) Junior Kiwis 16 (Siuatonga Likiliki, Drury Low, Shaun Johnson tries; Johnson 2 goals). Halftime: 10-6.
- NZPA
