This is the day that the Kiwis have been looking forward to for the last four months. All six teams got underway with some clinical wins over the emerging nations like Hong Kong, Singapore, China, and Malaysia. But, it was their arch-rivals Australia, who put their campaign into perspective, albeit a small margin.

Women’s 20s

New Zealand got off to a safe start against Singapore, one of the developing nations. A hatrick to Jade Bowen, backed up by a Ruhia Tamati double, ensured a won for the women. 7 – 0 to New Zealand. 

South Africa managed to break the defence of the women in the second match. Leilani Solomona and Ella Hutchinson benefited hugely from some hard work in the middle, bagging three touchdowns each. Calais Huru, Keegan Sercombe, Serai Murray-Wihongi, and Grace Richards got on the scoreboard. Final score, 10- 3.

New Zealand was up against the pump in the final match of the day against Australia. Despite tries to Jade Bowen, Abbey Johnston, and Calais Huru, the Aussies were too good as they raced away to a 9 – 3 win. 

Men’s 20s

Singapore was never going to trouble the scoreboard, but New Zeland managed to clock up some valuable miles. Toby Snelgrove finished off nicely, bagging his team’s first hat trick of the tournament. A great workload from the middles and tries to Jesse Pascoe in both halves ensured the Kiwis got off to a winning start. 

10 first-half tries put hosts Malaysia out of their misery early. Despite the score, it was good to see New Zealand keep their structure. A brace of tries to Tarkyn Loloselo ensured a comfortable 20 – 0 win. 

New Zealand finished strongly against a South African side, who had plenty of pace but lacked the structure and poise displayed by their opposition. Aaron Fiveash bagged a hat-trick which gave the Kiwis an 9 – 0 win late in the second half. 

Mixed 20s

It was down to business for the 20’s Mixed side as China provided a good hit out for what was about to come.  Strong games from captain Keegan Harris, Mitchell Millar, and the Houltham twins – Tyrone and Kelly – gave China a tough time. A brace of tries to Jessika Rowe pushed the score out to 23 – 0.

Australia, however, was a different kettle of beast, with a physical 9 – 6 encounter going the way of the green and golds. Tries to Atawhai Hotene, Savarna Asafo, and doubles to Viliami Sipa, and Tyrone Houltham gave the score some respectability. 

A tired Hong Kong was no match for the Kiwis in their last encounter of the day. New Zealand, after coming off a loss, managed to get back up and still stick to their processes. A hat-trick to Courtney Lott gave the Mixed 20’s a 12 – 0 win.

Girls 18s

 It was all about the numbers one, and two for the Girls 18s. Firstly, beating Singapore 12 – 1 in game one, then backing it up with a 21 – 0 win over Malaysia, before defeating South Africa in the final game 12 – 1. 

Olivia O’Neill bagged her teams first triple, followed by some magic from Princess Elliot, and Jessica Faulks with two tries each against Singapore. 

Kobi Hopkinson-Clayton was the star against Malaysia running in with impressive tries, and was acutely backed up by Isla Norman – Bell, Princess Elliot, and Sophia Herewini. 

The team finished strongly against South Africa with Isla Norman – Bell leading her team from the front. Princess Elliot, Hylan Potts, and Sophia Herewini bagging a brace of tries on the back of some impressive play from their mids. 

Boys 18s 

South Africa provided the Under 18s with wake up call, as the Kiwis negotiated the heat of Putrajaya. A physical first-up encounter, but in the end New Zealand found their groove in the second half, winning 11 – 5. 

The USA -  who is one of the smaller, but more vocal contingents – gave the 18’s a chance to solidify their combinations. In the end, it was too easy for the young guns, winning 15 – 2.

A large crowd turned out on field one for the match of the day against Australia. The pace and skill of their foes was a step up in intensity, which highlighted the upcoming competition that they will face in the coming days. New Zealand was brave, but not good enough as they went down 11 – 6. 

Mixed 18s 

With only three teams in their grade, it is a two-horse race between New Zealand and Australia. 

Not surprisingly, New Zealand dominated South Africa in their first clash with the majority of their squad dotting down. Deja Gray bagged a triple, while Storm Gilmer went down for a double. Final score, 12 – 0. 

Australia provided the challenge that New Zealand desperately needed if they are to take the title on Saturday. Deja Gray, Zion Smith, and Jordan Tuakana Hudson kept the Kiwis within reach, but to no avail, Australia came out on top with a 7 – 4 victory.

2018 YWC Day 1 Results:

20 Womens:
NZ 7 - Singapore 0
NZ 10 - South Africa 3
NZ 3 - Australia 9

20 Mens:
NZ 18 - Singapore 3
NZ 20 - Malaysia 0
NZ 9 - South Africa 0

20 Mixed:
NZ 23 - China 0
NZ 6 - Australia 9
NZ 12 - Hong Kong 0

18 Girls:
NZ 12 - Singapore 1
NZ 21 - Malaysia 0
NZ 12 - South Africa 1

18 Boys:
NZ 11 - South Africa 5
NZ 15 - USA 2
NZ 6 - Australia 11

18 Mixed:
NZ 12 - South Africa 0
NZ 4 - Australia 7

Article added: Thursday 09 August 2018