Australia A fall short of toppling Junior All Blacks

A gutsy display from Australia A has failed to secure a win for the team in their first of two matches against the Junior All Blacks, played in Canberra today.

Under grey, cloudy skies and periods of light rain, Australia played courageously against the more experienced New Zealand side, posting first points on the scoreboard and keeping their opponents scoreless for almost the entire first half.

Australia started the match without captain and playmaker Elton Flatley, who was forced to withdraw at the last minute after straining his calf muscle in the warm up. Shaun Berne moved into the starting side for Flatley, flanker Matt Hodgson came on to the bench and hooker Adam Freier stepped up to the captaincy role, demonstrating the leadership skills he is becoming well known for.

The game's first points were scored when Man of the Match Drew Mitchell crashed through the Junior All Blacks' defense then drew in their last defender, before passing the ball to Scott Fava who crossed right between the posts. Peter Hewat successfully converted the try to put Australia in the lead 7-0.

Australia's defense, which was outstanding for much of the match, shut down all bar one of the Junior All Blacks' opportunities to score in the first half. Caleb Ralph scored New Zealand's only points before half time, in the 37th minute, after the ball traveled from the right wing to the left and into Ralph's hands. The conversion attempt by Luke McAlister was unsuccessful and the teams headed into the break with Australia ahead, 7-5.

In the second half, Drew Mitchell worked his magic again, this time picking up two five pointers of his own. The first came a minute out from the kick off, when some clever kicking and angle running saw Australia with a ruck at the Junior All Blacks' five-metre line. The ball emerged and was passed to Mitchell, who found a gap and scored. Julian Huxley converted the try to keep Australia in the lead, 12-5.

Five minutes later a lapse in defense by Australia allowed New Zealand to score through Josh Blackie, although the Junior All Blacks were unable to add a further two points to the board when Luke McAlister failed to convert.

Shortly after, Australia's Junior Pelesasa spotted a gap and made a strong run through it, to set Mitchell up for his second try.

From here on, Australia appeared to lose their momentum and a try to Joe Rokocoko and a penalty goal to Luke McAlister allowed New Zealand to edge ahead, 20-19.

Australia regrouped in the dying minutes of the match but was unable to capitalise on last minute opportunities, trailing 19-23 when the full time siren rang.

Both teams will now travel to Sydney, where they will play a second match against each other at Aussie Stadium this Friday, July 1. Kick off is at 7:30pm.