Yellow cards taint win
The Baby Blacks’ second consecutive high-scoring win at the World Rugby under-20 championship has been soured by a trio of yellow cards.
The New Zealand side’s 42-10 victory over Wales in France yesterday means they remain unbeaten through two matches.
Blindside flanker Tom Florence (high tackle), right wing Bailyn Sullivan (deliberately knocking the ball down) and second five-eighth Tanielu Tele’a (no arms tackle) all spent 10 minutes in the sin-bin.
New Zealand coach Craig Philpott said they would not get away with that kind of discipline later in the tournament.
‘‘We’ll have a really good look at the footage and just check whether there’s some issues technically that we can fix and then we’ll move on from there,’’ Philpott said.
Fresh from a 67-0 victory over Japan on Thursday, New Zealand – the defending champions – ran in five tries to Billy Proctor, Sullivan, Tom Christie, Tevita Mafileo and Xavier Roe.
Philpott made eight changes to the side that beat Japan and was forced into a ninth when left winger Caleb Clarke was a late withdrawal with a virus. He was replaced by Leicester Faingaanuku.
Philpott was impressed with how his side handled the changes and said the rotation would lead to some selection headaches later in the tournament.
A wet afternoon in Beziers made it hard for the Baby Blacks to play their expansive style but Philpott was pleased with the way his forwards muscled up to dominate a physical Welsh pack.
The Baby Blacks’ defence was also a highlight for Philpott.
‘‘To only concede 10 points against a good Welsh side is pleasing as well.’’
New Zealand, who were ahead 25-10 at halftime, were tested by Wales in the first 40 minutes.
Proctor ran in the Baby Blacks’ first try thanks to some strong running and a classy offload from Sullivan.
But Wales hit back with a try to Taine Basham. Cai Evans’ sideline conversion was followed by a penalty to hand Wales a 10-7 lead.
Sullivan, fresh from returning from the sin-bin, scored New Zealand’s second and then – along with lively fullback Vilimoni Koroi – set up a classy team try for captain and openside flanker Christie.
Wales held New Zealand scoreless for more than 20 minutes in the second half until replacement prop Mafileo scored the bonus point try after he charged down a clearing kick.
Halfback Roe burrowed over from a quick penalty tap to complete the Baby Blacks try scoring.
New Zealand first-five Harry Plummer added four conversions and three penalties.
New Zealand, the only unbeaten side in Pool A, will take on Australia in their final pool match on Friday and there will be no complacency from the Baby Blacks.
‘‘Our job’s not done yet. We want to make sure we finish top of our pool with an opportunity to play in a semifinal the following week,’’ Philpott said.
He expects Clarke to be fit for the match.
Australia, who beat Japan yesterday, need to beat New Zealand to advance after losing to Wales in their opening match of the tournament.