After losing the first test 16-24 at Wellington last week, a series-levelling victory seemed remote as New Zealand trailed 0-20 at halftime.
But, after stemming the flow of points in the opening 12 minutes of the second half, the match took a dramatic turn, inspired by a fantastic chase by captain Martin Taupau to run down try-bound Australian fullback Dane Gagai.
While he conceded a penalty for carrying on with the tackle his feat still lifted his troops, and the effect of it was evidenced by a stinging assault which netted the Junior Kiwis 36 points in the space of 22min, most of the six tries the result of some dazzling play.
Powerhouse second rower Lama Tasi ignited the first by making a break through the middle of the field. Soon after Shaun Johnson ran on the last tackle, flung the ball out in a tackle and Tasi was there in support to sweep up the ball and score.
Within 11min the Junior Kiwis had three more tries from centre Drury Low, hooker Nafe Seluini and, deservedly, Taupau. With Johnson converting the lot, the home side had incredibly charged into a 24-20 lead.
Sebastine Ikahihifo, Sam Lousi and Siuatonga Likiliki combined for the latter to score and then came a superb display of skill from Carlos Tuimavave. Ikahihifo broke through and off loaded only the ball went to ground and somehow Tuimavave snared it with a one-handed pick-up without breaking stride and crossed to seal the match.
Junior Kiwis 36 (Lama Tasi, Drury Low, Nafe Seluini, Martin Taupau, Siuatonga Likiliki, Carlos Tuimavave tries; Shaun Johnson 6 goals) Junior Kangaroos 20 (Michael Oldfield, Josh Jackson, Dane Gagai, Justin O'Neill tries; Cameron King 2 goals). Halftime: 0-20.
