IRB Video: New Zealand U19 38 Wales U19 14: Match Highlights
Bradley Davies’s men worked their way into an early six point lead thanks to the boot of Sale Sharks outside-half Rhys Jones, who kicked a third minute penalty and struck a drop goal ten minutes later, but the New Zealand U19 response was emphatic as they rallied with three tries.
Strong running centre Tim Bateman grabbed the first Kiwi try which polished outside-half Colin Slade converted for the first of his thirteen points. Skipper and No.8 Victor Vito then plundered the first of two tries in a disastrous five minute period just before the break and Michael Hobbs’s second made it 21-6 to New Zealand U19 at the break.
The Welsh pack continued to take the game to their much vaunted rivals and their work was rewarded when hooker Ken Owens crashed over for a 52nd minute try. Jones then cut the gap to one score with his second penalty with ten minutes left to play to set up a thrilling finale, but the New Zealanders had too much in the tank at the end and, having come under considerable threat, motored away with a second try from Bateman and another from wing Greg Tweddle. Slade maintained his 100 percent conversion rate to make it five out of five and also added a penalty.
