World Rugby statement: New Zealand U20 vs Japan U20 abandoned

New Zealand’s World Rugby U20 Championship clash with Japan in Kutaisi was abandoned after nearby lightning strikes forced a suspension of play.

The game will not restart World Rugby have confirmed, with the score confirmed at 38-21 to New Zealand.

The World Rugby statement reads: “Following lightning strikes close to the AIA Arena in Kutaisi the match between New Zealand and Japan was suspended and will not restart. In accordance with the tournament rules the final score will stand as New Zealand 38-21 Japan.

“The welfare of the players, officials and fans must always come first.”

In further update, World Rugby said: “Following lightning close to the AIA Arena in Kutaisi, France v Fiji in the World Rugby Junior World Championship will now kick-off at 19:00 local time (GMT+4).

“Australia v Spain will now kick-off at 21:10 local time (previously scheduled for 20:30 GMT+4).

“Both kick offs are subject to any further adverse weather in the area.”

The Baby Blacks made a fast start to the Pool B contest, with Dane Johnston finishing from close range after early breaks from Charlie Sinton and Micah Fale.

Japan hit back through a maul try from Kise Shin and then edged into the contest as New Zealand’s discipline wobbled, with Mika Muliaina sin-binned just before Shinnosuke Uchida’s clever kick-and-chase score.

Sota Miura’s try levelled things 21-21 before the break.

Chris Boyd’s side regained control in the second half through a more direct approach. Logan Williams finished a well-worked move before Caleb Woodley powered over from close range as the pack asserted itself.

Bradley Tocker and Haki Wiseman provided consistent go-forward that Japan struggled to contain.

Muliaina, despite a mixed afternoon off the tee, capped the scoring with a well-taken try after slicing through the line at the 66-minute mark.

With momentum firmly with the men in black, the match was abandoned, freezing the score at 38-21.