Lily Gillett scores first-ever try for Australia NextGen U21 in defeat to New Zealand

Lily Gillett became the first player to score a try for Australia NextGen U21 on Saturday evening, crossing the line to level a historic debut fixture against New Zealand U21 at 5-5 in Christchurch. The NSW Waratahs and Warringah Rats winger’s moment of history was not enough to prevent the hosts from running out 43-10 victors.

Rugby Australia unveiled the inaugural 35-player NextGen squad on 12 October, with several Wallaroos included in the group. Coach Iliseva Batibasaga named Faitala Moleka and Ruby Anderson as co-captains, with Moleka — who had been crowned Wallaroos Player of the Year at the Rugby Australia Awards just days earlier — forming a 10-15 combination with Waiaria Ellis, mirroring their partnership for the Wallaroos against Scotland.

New Zealand, captained by Anahera Hamahona with centres Ella Henderson and Naomi Sopoaga as vice-captains, drew first blood through Henderson around the four-minute mark. Australia responded with a well-worked set-piece play off a scrum, with Piper Simons shifting the ball left through the hands before Amelia Whitaker delivered the final pass to Gillett, who edged out a couple of defenders in a short race to the try line.

The leveller proved short-lived. Two quick tries to winger Lialanie Muamua and a charge-down score from tighthead Amber Mundell sent New Zealand into half-time leading 24-5. Sariyah Paitai and a Henderson assist for Presayus Singh extended the advantage to 36-5 early in the second half.

Australia refused to fold, and Gillett added a second try with around 11 minutes remaining after co-captain Anderson drew in defenders before offloading to the winger. Replacement Keira Su’a-Smith had the final word, kicking ahead and beating Ellis to the loose ball to complete the scoring.

Moleka reflected on the significance of the occasion after the final whistle. “I came out of the Wallaroos space but it wasn’t about me, it was all about the occasion that I was able to be a part of and I’m so privileged and honoured,” she said. “To co-captain with my good friend Ruby, it’s something that us girls as a whole didn’t take lightly. It starts here… I know we didn’t show the talent and the potential these young girls have on the field but if we just keep on investing in that space and in grassroots, I’m sure in years to come, 2029 World Cup at home…”

The result was a heavy loss on the scoreboard for a side playing its first-ever match, but the programme represents a long-term investment in Australian women’s rugby ahead of the home World Cup in 2029.