Wanganui Collegiate 1st XV had a tough start to their three-match Australian tour when they were beaten 5-3 under lights by the Hunters Hill Colts in Sydney on Thursday.
In a defence-oriented match, Collegiate led 3-0 at half time through a Jack Lupton penalty, before the Colts centre scored outwide after a buildup of phases midway through the second half.
For the next 20 minutes, there was an arm wrestle for possession and field position, with Collegiate coming close to scoring the matchwinner but being denied.
In his report, assistant manager Tony Neilson said backline players to catch the eye included fullback Charlie Robson, wingers Angus Goodwin and James Barrett the latter unlucky not to score after a well-executed move early on.
"The forwards found the going tough against a physically bigger and stronger pack, particularly struggling at ruck time when the HH Colts showed good technique and superior pace to the ball.
"From set pieces, the XV secured good ball and this allowed the backs to trouble the opposition with strong running in the centre field by particularly Charlie McCartin," Neilson said.
Come the second half the Colts started to keep the balls in the forwards and it was the pick-and-goes which saw them get on the front foot.
"The WCS XV defence remained structured and stood firm Barnaby Smith and birthday boy Jonty Duncan catching the eye," said Neilson.
Collegiate now move on to their big clash for the tour tomorrow facing Daramalan College at Canberra Stadium as the curtain raiser to the Brumbies vs Cheetahs Super 15 quarter-final.
The team have been in training runs with the Brumbies development squad.
