By Henry Lee, AUT Journalism Student Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in Gqeberha, South Africa, hosted the opening game of the U20 Rugby Championship on Thursday night. New Zealand and Australia couldn’t be separated, as the game finished in a 29-29 stalemate. It didn’t take long for a young local rugby player to stamp his mark on the world stage, with Pakuranga United Rugby Club’s (PURC) Harlyn Saunoa scoring a try in the fifth minute of the opening match against Australia. Saunoa was on the end of a slick backline move, catching the ball close to the line before calmly scoring in the corner. PURC’s Randall Baker was also involved in the action early, playing a crucial part in a counter-ruck penalty in the 22nd minute. Both local players were busy throughout the game, carrying the ball multiple times in their respective performances. After a good shift in the first encounter of the tournament, Baker was substituted early in the second half with what looked like a lower leg injury. Saunoa came on in the 60th minute, just as Australia launched their comeback in the second half. As the match entered its final stages, Australia scored a try at the hooter and needed a conversion to level the scores. Australia’s winger was able to successfully convert the try, ending the first game of the competition in a draw. Saunoa attended Botany Downs Secondary College (BDSC) and plays his rugby for Pakuranga, while currently being involved in the wider training squad with the Blues in Super Rugby Pacific. Like Saunoa, Baker also followed the same route, playing for the BDSC First XV, before playing for Pakuranga United Rugby Club. The New Zealand U20s will take on Argentina on Tuesday night at 11.50 pm. All games of The U20 Rugby Championship are broadcast live on Sky Sport.