Close, yet not quite enough

Stephen Perofeta

Whanganui's rugby export Stephen Perofeta was not quite able to pull his New Zealand Under-20 team over the line in a knife-edge 25-24 loss to Australia in the second game of the Oceania Series at Bond University on the Gold Coast.

Queensland first-five Mack Mason landed the winning penalty kick after the final siren to give his team their first ever win over New Zealand at Under-20 level on Saturday.

The Kiwis still won the two-match series on points differential, having comfortably beaten Australia 30-10 earlier in the week.

In a thriller, the Australians got out to a 17-3 advantage at halftime, which was extended to 22-3 with their third try, before the New Zealanders came back with two quick tries to trail 22-17 entering the final quarter.

An intercept try by winger Jonah Lowe saw New Zealand hit the front for the first time with 10 minutes to go, 24-22.

It was then back and forth stuff as Australia worked back downfield before Perofeta secured the ball and went back at them, however crucial pushed passes saw the turnover.

The Australians set themselves and wound up with a penalty on the 15m line, with Mason holding his nerve to win the game.

It was not all bad news for Perofeta, as rugby writer Gregor Paul suggested that the young man might be a good fit to join the Blues in Super Rugby in the near future, as part of a youth movement to help the struggling franchise.

"New Zealand U20 first-five Stephen Perofeta is winning admirers," Paul wrote.

"Eligible again next year for the under-20s, the former Wanganui Collegiate No10 has played for the Chiefs U20s but would surely be willing and able to switch allegiance if the Blues were to offer him a full contract.

"[Perofeta] was playing Heartland rugby while still at school last year.

"He has great acceleration, kicks well and is a powerful defender."