NZ Maori U18 stun Australia Schools 32-21 to seal National Pathways Programme title

New Zealand Maori U18 claimed a commanding 32-21 victory over Australia Schools at St Paul’s Collegiate in Hamilton on Sunday, completing the 2026 National Pathways Programme tournament with a statement win despite trailing early in the second half.

The match was tightly contested throughout, with both sides level 7-7 at halftime after a scoreless opening quarter. Australia Schools edged ahead shortly after the break when left-winger Davi Nemer Rodrigues intercepted a Maori pass in midfield to score, giving the visitors a 14-7 lead with more than 30 minutes remaining.

Kahu Carey’s side responded with composure. Centre Paice Mitchell-Hopa levelled the score by bursting through a gap close to the ruck, before Tauranga Boys fullback Tommy McQuoid powered through multiple tackles in the 57th minute to put the Maori ahead for the first time since halftime.

First-five Keanu Simpson, younger brother of Auckland playmaker Rico and a mid-week call-up to the New Zealand Schoolboys squad, was instrumental in the closing stages. The Sacred Heart College product extended the lead with a penalty before an exceptional run from impact substitute Elijah Wharepouri set up Synton Bowden’s try. Simpson then converted a long-range penalty from close to halfway to seal the result, despite Australia Schools scoring on the final hooter to narrow the margin to eleven points.

Simpson and vice-captain Enzo Kyle were the standouts for the Maori, while Australian playmakers Rokko Walker and Hamish Ward impressed in a losing cause. Walker had a hand in Australia’s opening try, offloading to Isaiah Cornforth to create the gap eight minutes before halftime.

The tournament, held entirely at St Paul’s Collegiate, featured national sides from Samoa, Tonga, Australia, and three New Zealand teams. Elsewhere on the final day, Taranaki U18 defeated Tonga U18 55-7, and the New Zealand Barbarians produced a remarkable 90-3 win over Samoa U18.