Baby Blacks scrape past Junior Wallabies

New Zealand fought back from a 12-point halftime deficit to beat Australia 34-29 in a thrilling opening match of the Under-20 Rugby Championship in South Africa yesterday.

Australia had a 24-12 lead at halftime, but two cards early in the second half allowed New Zealand to take the lead and they would not give it back.

The Baby Blacks opened the scoring through fullback Cohen Norrie, but Marshall Le Maitre hit straight back as the Australian forward pack began to win the forwards battle.

New Zealand went back in front when Otago prop Henry Stuart scored, but Australia were leading again soon thanks to a pair of tries to take a 24-12 lead into halftime.

Australia then had a player red-carded for a dangerous clean-out in the 53rd minute following a New Zealand try, and the Australians soon lost another player, this time to a yellow card for slowing the ruck.

New Zealand made the most of Australia being down to 13 men and scored tries to Haki Wiseman and Caleb Woodley to close the gap.

Logan Williams scored next to put the Baby Blacks in front with 13 minutes to go.

Australia had their chances to reclaim the lead in the final 10 minutes, Louie Fenwicke crossing the line, only to be brought back for a knock-on in the build-up.

A rolling maul was then stopped metres out and Australia had a player held up over the line as New Zealand hung on for the win.

Otago University first five Mika Muliaina, joining the Highlanders on a full contract next year, kicked two conversions for the Baby Blacks, who are coached by former Highlanders assistant Kane Jury.

Otago prop Ethan Webber came off the bench, as did Southland backs Jackson Hughan and Jay Reihana.

Australia next play hosts South Africa, while New Zealand take on Argentina.

The Junior Boks beat Argentina 48-21 in their opening game.