In a display showing heart and resilience, Richard Whiffin’s young side would come away from the tie with two valuable bonus points. In what is a tight group with defending champions France labouring to a win against newcomers Spain in the other Pool A match, the significance of the result could well come into play for Wales’ young guns hopes of qualifying to the knockout stages of the competition.
Whilst never threatening to beat the Baby Blacks and trailing 13-24 at halftime, two quick-fire tries early saw New Zealand leap to a seemingly unassailable 36-13 lead.
On the night, New Zealand would show their class in spells with centre Xavi Taele scored twice for the young All Blacks, with further scores from scrum-half Dylan Pledger, flanker Tai Cribb, replacement Xavier Tito-Harris and as well as a penalty try.
A heavy defeat looked looming as the Welsh would be reduced to 14 with second-row Osian Thomas in the sin bin.
However, a spirited response saw centre Louie Hennessey cross twice while Dragons full-back Huw Anderson and 17-year-old replacement Steffan Emanuel also went over as particularly in the second period Wales looked to play open and expansive rugby.
The Cardiff youngster collecting a cheeky chip from scrum-half Lucca Setaro to score by the posts with just his second touch in U20 international rugby
Wales would be rewarded for their efforts and pulled themselves back into the game magnificently and would ensure a nervy ending for the Baby Blacks when Scarlets sensation Macs Page’s 79th-minute try cut the deficit to just seven points despite a second yellow card of the game, this time to talismanic number eight Morgan Morse.
Whiffin’s side would even have New Zealand on the ropes in the dying stages as they searched for an unlikely draw, but earning two bonus points will be more than an adequate result from an entertaining contest.
Wales go again against Spain U20s on Thursday before facing defending champions France U20s to conclude the group stage.
Wales XV:
Huw Anderson (Dragons RFC); Harry Rees-Weldon (Dragons RFC), Louie Hennessey (Bath Rugby), Macs Page (Scarlets), Aidan Boshoff (Bristol Bears); Harri Wilde (Cardiff Rugby), Ieuan Davies (Bath Rugby); Josh Morse (Scarlets)
Isaac Young (Scarlets), Sam Scott (Bristol Bears), Jonny Green (Harlequins), Osian Thomas (Leicester Tigers), Ryan Woodman (Dragons RFC, captain), Lucas de la Rua (Cardiff Rugby), Morgan Morse (Ospreys).
Replacements:
Harry Thomas (Scarlets), Jordan Morris (Dragons RFC), Kian Hire (Ospreys), Nick Thomas (Dragons RFC), Harry Beddall (Leicester Tigers), Lucca Setaro (Scarlets), Harri Ford (Dragons RFC), Steffan Emanuel (Cardiff Rugby).
[Lead image: Welsh Rugby Union]
