NZ U20s trounce Australia in Oceania Cup decider

New Zealand: 43 (Luke Jacobson 2, Isaia Walker-Leawere, Will Jordon, Tamati Tua, Tom Christie; Tiaan Falcon 5 con, pen) Australia: 6 (Harry Nucifora 2 pen) New Zealand have successfully retained the Oceania Under 20-Championship trouncing a woeful Australia 43-6 at Bond University on the Gold Coast. Australian rugby is stuck in a deep mire.

The hosts hardly fired a shot against a New Zealand team who bombed at least two tries with poor handling and played raggedly in the final quarter. Halfback Harry Nucifora opened Australia's account with an early penalty, but the New Zealand forwards soon gained the ascendancy and blindside Luke Jacobson and lock Isaia Walker-Leawere bullied their way over for converted tries to make it 17-6 after 20 minutes.

Nucifora doubled Australia's tally with a second penalty, but further tries to fullback Will Jordon and centre Tamati Tua had New Zealand 29-6 ahead at halftime. Jordon's try where he stepped rapidly off the left foot and dashed 30-metres into vacant pasture was particularly impressive.

Tima Faingaanuku showed he to boasts a quality left-foot delicately chipping ahead for openside Tom Christie to collect New Zealand's fifth try. Industrious captain Jacobson had the last say when he stretched out in the grasp of an Australian tackle.

​New Zealand scored 186 points in three games suggesting the quality of the competition in Oceania is weaker than previous years, but also hinting they have strong prospects at the World Championships in June. Jordon was arguably the man of the match though Jacobson might dispute that claim.

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