New Zealand Under 20 book semi-final place with Italy win
New Zealand through to final four at World Rugby Junior Championship
New Zealand have won their past 10 pool-stage matches at the Junior World Championship, their best run since winning their first 13 between 2008 and 2012.
In muggy conditions, New Zealand recovered from a sluggish start after Italian centre Giacomo Falchetto intercepted a pass in the third minute to record their most comprehensive victory of the tournament.
Fullback-turned-first-five Cohen Norrie complemented a sturdy forward effort with an imperious performance.
Norrie, who played first-five for Sacred Heart College in 2024 and scored a hat-trick in a 48-24 win over King’s College in the Ian Kirkpatrick-Sean Fitzpatrick Trophy match, wound back the clock with a long-range try. He also delivered the final pass for two others, including a special score for debutant Lautasi Etuale of St Thomas of Canterbury College.
Mika Muliaina withdrew due to injury and was replaced by his former Southland Boys’ High School First XV teammate Jimmy Taylor.
New Zealand Under 20 overcome fast Italian start
The opening 23 minutes were an even slugfest, with both sides scoring two tries. After Falchetto’s intercept, Siale Pahulu burst inside the Italian 22. Multiple penalties and a yellow card for Simone Fardin followed before blindside flanker Bradley Tocker powered over.
An Italian handling error in midfield allowed centre David Lewai to race away, but once restored to a full complement, imposing No. 8 Enoch Opoku-Gyamfi reduced the deficit to 12-10.
New Zealand defended the maul much better in this game, stifling the Italians’ well-worn tactic. The New Zealand lineout secured all 18 of its throws, while Italy lost 25 per cent of theirs. A try to hooker Josh Findlay after 26 minutes, converted from the sideline by Norrie, made it 19-10.
Cohen Norrie leads New Zealand into semi-finals
Norrie, who has played seven NPC games for Auckland, then took charge. A wicked right-foot step opened a yawning hole in the Italian defence, and Bay of Plenty halfback Charlie Sinton finished a breakout that began at halfway. Logan Williams’ conversion made it 26-10 at halftime.
The opening 14 minutes of the second half were error-strewn until the New Zealand forwards found some cohesion. Italy were wilting close to the ruck and conceding space out wide, which Etuale exploited.
Two minutes later, Italy fumbled and, from a scrum 40 metres out, Norrie took it upon himself to dummy and dash clear.
With three line breaks and a try, Pahulu was another significant contributor for New Zealand.
Riccardo Casarin topped the tackle count for Italy with 13, while Patrick Mauga made eight for New Zealand. Tocker looks like a quality prospect, while fellow flanker Caleb Woodley was industrious.
The referee was Peter Martin of Ireland.
Match Score Sheet: New Zealand 45-15 Italy
New Zealand Under 20: 45 (Bradley Tocker, David Lewai, Josh Findlay, Cohen Norrie 2, Lautasi Etuale, Siale Pahulu tries; Logan Williams 3, Cohen Norrie 2 cons)
Italy: 15 (Giacomo Falchetto, Enoch Opoku-Gyamfi, David Luisato tries)
WATCH: Highlights of the New Zealand Under 20 Pool clash against Scotland
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