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RNZ News
11-05-2025
- Sport
- RNZ News
Rugby: 13-man Baby Blacks retain U20 championship title
Taniela Maisiri dashes toward the try line during the NZU20 v Argentina, The Rugby Championship Under 20 match, Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium, Gqeberha. Photo: Halden Krog/ActionPress New Zealand has retained the men's under-20 Rugby Championship title with a 48-45 victory over hosts South Africa in Gqeberha. The result meant the Baby Blacks edged Australia for the title after they beat Argentina 40-36. New Zealand were behind 19-0 after 13 minutes after conceding two early tries to the young Springboks before fighting their way back into the game. The two sides swapped tries throughout the match with New Zealand taking the lead for the first time during the second half. However, it was a tense finish as the visitors were reduced to 13 players after Caleb Woodley was red-carded and Randall Baker was given a yellow card. Flanker Woodley was marched for a head clash with 11 minutes to play, while Baker was binned with three minutes to play for pulling down a maul which resulted in a penalty try. New Zealand managed to defend strongly and held on for a memorable win and retention of the title. Centre Harlyn Saunoa scored three tries and winger Maloni Kunawave two. New Zealand try scorers were: Harlyn Saunoa (3), Manumaua Letiu, Maloni Kunawave (2), Sika Pole and Stanley Solomon, while Will Cole kicked four conversions. Both New Zealand and Australia finished with two wins and a draw with New Zealand handed the title on points differential. The Junior World Cup kicks off in Italy on 29 June.
Otago Daily Times
02-05-2025
- Sport
- Otago Daily Times
Highlanders pair do well for NZ in opening U20 game
Highlanders under-20 duo Dylan Pledger and Josh Tengblad impressed for New Zealand in their opening game in the Rugby Championship at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in Gqeberha, South Africa. But Australia scored late to snatch a 29-29 draw in a topsy-turvy match. Pledger set up the first try of the game. The livewire halfback took a quick tap, weaved his way out to the left, sucked in the remaining defenders and got the pass to winger Harlyn Saunoa, who strolled in untouched. Liam Grover replied quickly for Australia. The centre had to back-pedal to pick up a stray pass, but ghosted into a gap and scored from 15m out. Tengblad, who had a strong game, drove over the line moments later. But the try was ruled out for an earlier knock on. Sid Harvey scored in the corner instead to give Australia a 12-5 lead. Fullback Stanley Solomon finished off a sweeping try for the Baby Blacks that was sparked by a nifty backflip pass by Pledger. The dish helped clear the ruck quickly and create some space further out. Grover scored his second just before the break to give Australia a 17-10 lead. Maloni Kunawave struck twice early in the second spell and New Zealand took a 22-17 lead. They were awarded a penalty try to extend their lead. But Australia rallied in the final quarter of the game. Replacement forward Trevor King barged over to cut the margin. And, in the 84th minute, Beau Morrison scored from a line-out drive and Harvey knocked over the conversion to grab a draw. New Zealand's next Rugby Championship fixture is against Argentina on May 7. U20 Rugby Championship The scores New Zealand Under-20s 29 (Maloni Kunawave 2, Harlyn Saunoa, Stanley Solomon tries, Penalty Try, Rico Simpson con). Australia Under-20s 29 (Liam Grover 2, Sid Harvey, Trevor King, Beau Morrison tries; Harvey 2 cons). Halftime: 10-17
