23 September 2025
Day 2 of the National Boys Youth Tournament saw more rounds of excellent 16s and 18s footy, set on the backdrop of the clear and sunny Ngā Puna Wai Park with supporters out in full force. By the end of the day, the four intense semi-finals had decided the 2025 grand finalists to play for titles and ultimate bragging rights tomorrow.
Round 1 of Day 2 saw Akarana defeat Canterbury to top Section A, while Auckland and Counties Manukau maintained their leads of Section B and C respectively. This set the stage for semi-finals: an Akarana vs Canterbury rematch and a derby clash between Auckland and Counties.
In the first semi-final, hosts Canterbury started strongly, scoring two unanswered tries in the first half to take a 10-0 lead into the break. Not backing down to the challenge, skilful halfback Bronson Fisiiahi sparked Akarana’s comeback, showing individual brilliance to twice. Bailey Maruariki-Butler added two successful conversions, putting Akarana ahead of Canterbury. Despite determined efforts, Canterbury were unable to convert their efforts into tries, and Akarana put the nail in the coffin with a last-minute try and conversion. Final score: 18-10 to Akarana.
The Counties Manukau Stingrays proved too strong for Auckland in the second semi-final, dominating the Vulcans from the outset. Their powerful forwards rolled down the middle of the park, laying a strong platform for their backs to score from, putting 18 points on Auckland in the first half. Auckland remained scoreless throughout. The Stingrays continued to excel in the second half and finished with a commanding 30-0 victory, with their deft halfback Calvin Harris-Tavita contributing 10 points from five successful kicks.
16s Boys Grand Final tomorrow 11:45am: Akarana Falcons vs Counties Manukau Stingrays
In the first round of the day, the Section A decider between Auckland and Canterbury came down to a conversion, with Auckland edging the match 12-10. Section B & C leaders Akarana and Counties both won their match-ups against Mid Central and Manawatu, to put them through to the semi-finals.
Mirroring the 16s grade, the first semi-final featured a rematch between Auckland and Canterbury, but this time it was the Bulls who came out on top. The contest was a tense arm-wrestle from the kickoff, with the Vulcans coming close several times but denied by strong Canterbury defence. The Bulls broke the deadlock and scored through powerhouse loose forward Isaiah Savea after a tough ten minutes for both sides, setting the halftime score at 6-0. After the break Canterbury opened scoring off an excellent scrum play which spread the ball through the hands and to the right winger to score. They all but secured their spot in the grand final with a third and final try, with a final score of 14-0.
Akarana were too classy against Counties in the second semi-final, showcasing speed and strength across the park, and excellent defence in the middle of the field. Counties were unable to retain ball possession with a number of errors that Akarana capitalised on, to score three tries and lead 18-0 at the half. Counties finally found some joy in the second half, after an outstanding individual effort by second rower Houma Fotu put their first points on the board. Despite a second try and an improved performance in the second half, the Stingrays were outplayed by Akarana who continued to impress, winning 28-10 and securing their place in the grand final.
18s Boys Grand Final tomorrow 1:15pm: Akarana Falcons vs Canterbury Bulls
For the draw and results updates visit sporty.co.nz
On Day 3, Field 1 and 2 will continue to be live-streamed here pages.nzrl.co.nz/watch-national-youth-tournament-2025
