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New Zealand U20 hold off fast finishing Wales for opening day win
By Ben Smith
The New Zealand U20 have opened their World Championship campaign in South Africa with a 41-34 win over a resilient Wales side.
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The Baby Blacks led from seventh minute with halfback Dylan Pledger snatched an intercept down the left hand touchline and never let it go, but Wales kept responding to stay within touching distance and give New Zealand something to think about.
With New Zealand ahead by 10-8, a penalty try and yellow card to Wales lock Osain Thomas was the catalyst for the momentum swing the Kiwis needed.
Impressive midfielder Xavi Taele, who was named player of the tournament in the Rugby Championship U20, burst through the middle of the Welsh defence and reached the line with an outstretched hand.
Rico Simpson’s conversion extended the lead to 24-8 but a barrage of Welsh attack on the stroke of half-time kept them in the game.
After multiple phases of tight forward play following a lineout on the five, a long cutout pass from flyhalf Harri Wilde found the mark and inside centre Louie Hennessey scored the first of his two tries with a walk-in on the right wing.
New Zealand took ascendency in the second half with Xavi Taele responding with his second try, a blistering solo effort down the right touchline with an acrobatic dive to finish.
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Blindside flanker Tai Cribb scored next from a trick lineout play which extended New Zealand’s lead to 36-13.
With the game looking out of reach, Hennessey scored from a scrum play to give Wales hope. He ran a hard line off No 8 Morgan Morse, piercing the defence and running through multiple defenders from an incredible score.
A second yellow card, to No 8 Morse proved costly, with New Zealand exploiting the one man advantage through New Zealand Sevens star Xavier Tito-Harris.
Tito-Harris sparked the try with a line break from 60 metres out. After linking with prop A-One Lolofie, the outside back recieved the return pass for the finish.
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Two late tries inside the last 10 minutes threatened New Zealand with a seven point buffer, but they were able to close out the last two minutes and secure the win.
Watch the exclusive reveal-all episode of Walk the Talk with Ardie Savea as he chats to Jim Hamilton about the RWC 2023 experience, life in Japan, playing for the All Blacks and what the future holds. Watch now for free on RugbyPass TV
Both NZU20 centers look like they could have a pro career infront of them. Pledger in the halves as well. Ron Cribb jnr, Tai, looks like family through and through too. Hope he players like it too (looked like it).