The New Zealand Under 20 side has slumped to a 24-0 defeat to Australia in the final of the Oceania Championship on the Gold Coast.
The defeat will be concerning for New Zealand, who plagued by inaccuracy and dominated at the set piece, ahead of World Rugby Under 20 Championship next month.
Just before the 30-minute mark, New Zealand’s right winger Lalomilo Lalomilo was denied a superb individual try after a brilliant tackle from Australian fullback Isaac Lucas.
Lalomilo had burst through the Australian defensive line after taking the directly from the ruck, running some 50m before Lucas came across in cover and bundled him into touch with a perfect tackle.
Australia would lead 12-0 at halftime thanks to four penalties from first five-eighth Will Harrison
Despite the hosts being reduced to 14 men with the sinbinning of No 8 Will Harris, New Zealand could still not crack the stout Australian defence.
Australian wing Triston Reilly scored the opening try off a cross-field kick, out-leaping NZ opposite Scott Gregory to dot down.
The home side’s openside flanker Fraser McReight would cap the win with a try courtesy of a rolling maul.
Australia’s victory denied New Zealand a fourth straight Oceania title.
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