JUNIOR KANGAROOS v JUNIOR KIWIS
Cbus Super Stadium
Saturday May 2
Live on FOX Sports 1, 3pm AESTThe first of three Test matches on Saturday afternoon, these two sides will look to start the day off in style.
The Junior Kangaroos have named a formidable side that includes eight players who have played in the NRL, while the Junior Kiwis only have two players with NRL experience.
Although what the Kiwis lack in first grade experience, they make up in Junior Test experience, with eight players returning from last year’s Junior Test victory.
Last Time They Met: Junior Kiwis 15-14 Junior Kangaroos. Last year’s Junior Test match was a fiery encounter before a ball was even kicked. The two sides memorably came face to face during the Junior Kiwis’ haka before battling it out in wet conditions in Auckland. The Kiwis came away with a 1-point victory thanks to a Te Maire Martin field goal.
Keep An Eye On (Kangaroos): Jayden Nikorima (Broncos). Coming off the bench in last year’s NYC Grand Final, Jayden Nikorima almost single-handedly won the Broncos the game. One of the most highly rated juniors in the game, Nikorima can play anywhere from centre to five-eighth to hooker and will give the Kangaroos plenty of spark off the interchange.
Keep An Eye On (Kiwis): James Fisher-Harris (Panthers). A hard running forward who idolizes Ruben Wiki, James Fisher-Harris can play anywhere in the forward pack. Just 19, Fisher-Harris has played up in the NSW Cup for Penrith this season, showing how highly thought of he is at the foot of the mountains.
Key Matchup: The forward packs. Rather than target two players, I think the most intriguing matchup will be in the middle. Nelson Asofa-Solomona will lead from the front for the Kiwis. The 200cm giant is coming off his NRL debut just last weekend, while Braden Uele, a Rooster in 2014, has been in superb form for the Cowboys NYC side this season. On the other side of the field, the three forwards in the Australian pack with NRL experience, Joe Ofahengaue, Matt Lodge and Tepai Moeroa, will look to set an example for the Kangaroos. The forward battle is where the game will be won.
History: Since 2010, when the Junior Tests switched to an U20 format, these two teams have met six times, with both teams winning 3 games. After two big wins by the Kangaroos, the Kiwis reclaimed bragging rights last year, winning their first Junior Test since 2011.
Making the Step Up: Four former Junior Roos (Boyd Cordner, Josh Jackson, David Klemmer and Josh Mansour) have made the step up to Australia’s national team, while Gerard Beale, a Junior Kangaroo in 2010, has gone on to represent New Zealand.
Eight former Junior Kiwis (Tohu Harris, Siliva Havili, Peta Hiku, Shaun Johnson, Jason Taumalolo, Martin Taupau, Roger Tuivasa-Sheck and Dean Whare) have gone on to play for New Zealand, while Josh Papalii, a Junior Kiwi in 2011, has represented Australia.
Who Wins It: It’s hard to go past this Junior Kangaroos side. One of the strongest named in the past few years, I see it going the way of the green and gold. Junior Kangaroos 1-12.
Stats to Know
Most Games: 4 Carlos Tuimavave (Kiwis),
3 Dane Gagai, Josh Jackson, Cameron King (Kangaroos)
Most Tries: 4 Dane Gagai (Kangaroos)
Most Goals: 8 Shaun Johnson (Kiwis), 6 Jacob Miller (Kangaroos)
Most Points: 20 Shaun Johnson (Kiwis),
16 Dane Gagai (Kangaroos),
Most Field Goals: 1 Te Maire Martin (Kiwis)
Photo: Murray Wilkinson (SMP Images)[/caption]
