NZ Foil Stubborn Scotland In Opener

New Zealand: 42 (Tima Faingaanuku 3, Asafo Aumua, Dalton Papali'i, Orbyn Ledger tries; Tiaan Falcon 3 con, 2 pen) Scotland: 20 (Fraser Renwick, Darcy Graham, Josh Henderson tries; Connor Eastgate con)

New Zealand has withstood a spirited challenge by Scotland to win their opening match of the World Under-20 Rugby championships 42-20 in Georgia.

In two previous World Cup meetings the Kiwis had won 68-10 and 54-7, but the Scots proved far tougher opposition third time around.

In the opening quarter both teams exchanged two tries each.

New Zealand opened their account in the second-minute when first-five Tiaan Flacon skip passed to wing Tima Faingaanuku who busted three tackles and burst 50m to score. Falcon nailed the sideline conversion, but would miss four shots at goal in the match.

Scotland lacked accuracy off the tee as well with three of their kicks going astray. There was no such hassle with their lineout drive. Fiery hooker Fraser Renwick drove over in the 11th minute and wing Darcy Graham would benefit ten minutes later from another powerful surge.

Hooker Asafo Aumua ranging wide collected the Baby Blacks second try and Faingaanuku had a brace after 25 minutes when he charged through from a simple scrum move. The halftime score was 19-10 to New Zealand.
Scottish first-five Connor Eastgate narrowed the deficit to six with a 43rd minute penalty, but New Zealand's backs played with a superior vibrance and skill and this eventually told as regular holes were opened in the opposition defense.

Blindside Dalton Papali'i pushed past soft defense in the 45th minute to secure New Zealand's four try bonus point. In the 49th minute openside Tom Christie bombed a certain try, but second-five Orbyn Ledger profited sixty seconds later from a Scottish spillage inside their 22.

Papali'i was yellow carded in the 61st minute after cynically pulling down a Scottish lineout maul, but fullback Blair Kinghorn would create the next try when he made a brilliant 65m break and set up reserve Josh Henderson.

Fittingly man of the match Faingaanuku had the last say when he retrieved a Falcon cross-kick.
A satisfactory start for New Zealand though kick-off receptions were poor and the struggle of defending the lineout maul will be a concern.
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Fullback Will Jordon and wing Josh McKay combined well to complete a strong showing by the back three. Captain Luke Jacobson was the pick of the forwards with some bustling carries and defense.

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