New Zealand scrape past Wales in under-20 opener

New Zealand celebrating after beating Wales 27-26 in their opening match at the World Rugby under-20 championship.
Photo: photosport

The New Zealand rallied from a 19-5 halftime deficit to open their campaign at the World Rugby under-20 championships with a 27-26 win over Wales in Paarl, South Africa.

New Zealand made a clinical start when All Blacks Sevens winger Caleb Tangitau crossed in the seventh minute but his team were inaccurate for most of the rest of the first half as Wales utilised the stiff breeze and dominated possession and territory.

Hooker Lewis Lloyd, first-five Dan Edwards and No.8 Morgan Morse all crossed as Wales opened up a 14-point advantage at the interval.

New Zealand changed the tone after the break, with Crusaders winger Macca Springer and flanker Sam Hainsworth-Fa’aofo crossing to trail 19-17.

Springer tapped a cross-kick into the hands of flanker Che Clark – later named player of the match – to restore a lead they were to hold to the end.

New Zealand’s second pool match is on Thursday is against defending champions France, who opened their account with a 75-12 rout of Japan.

France also beat Wales 67-16 in this year’s Six Nations under-20 tournament.

– RNZ