Zach Fittler part of famous Australia under-18 rugby win as code wars heat up
Updated . First published at
Zach Fittler will turn his attention to the NSW Waratahs after helping Australia's under-18 rugby team to a memorable, drought breaking victory over New Zealand Schools in Hamilton.
Fittler, the son of league legend Brad, came off the bench in Australia's 38-31 triumph at FMG Stadium and immediately ran straight into the teeth of the Kiwi defence.
It was Australia's first trans-Tasman victory at that level since 2019 - a team that back then included Joseph Suaalii, Tolu Koula, Josh Flook and Billy Pollard.
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Sam Blank of Australia celebrates the win. Getty
"I'm absolutely pumped," Australia coach Shannon Fraser said.
"This is a special result for this team and for Australian rugby.
"The players showed full commitment to the gold jersey and earned every part of that victory."
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Zach Fittler of Australia warms up at FMG Stadium Waikato. Getty
Queensland prop Kingsley Uys, 16, was a standout, setting up a try with an audacious offload for winger Nick Conway and then scoring one himself.
Halfback Angus Grover, No.8 Heinz Lemoto, fullback Rex Bassingthwaighte and Wests Tigers-bound winger Heamasi Makasini were also outstanding.
Rugby Australia now have a huge fight on their hands for Lemoto and Bassingthwaighte, who have also played junior league for the Penrith Panthers and Sydney Roosters respectively.
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"It's going to be player choice, and we can't kid ourselves that these kids don't have other options," Fraser told the Sydney Morning Herald.
"I think we've got an ability to provide meaningful competitions, we provide exposure to regular international rugby, we compete around the world. You can play for your country on an international stage and some of the greatest sporting events in the world, that's not insignificant.
"We've just got to create a healthy experience for our young players that challenges them but also rewards them with these life experiences of playing at the top and playing around the world."
