Rugby: NZ U20s scrape past Argentina

Akira Ioane. Photo / Getty

New Zealand U20 32
Argentina U20 29

Two late tries in quick succession and a penalty goal under pressure by Otere Black saw New Zealand to a hard-earned 32-29 victory over Argentina in their second match of the World Rugby Under 20 Championship.

Under a hot sun in Calvisano, necessitating drinks breaks every 20 minutes, the New Zealand Under 20s had to work harder than they might have imagined to go 2-0 and have one foot in the semifinals. But they will need to lift appreciably after Argentina came at them with some staunch defence and bruising forward play, not to mention some accurate goalkicking.

"We knew they were going to come out firing in the first 20 minutes, but they were relentless, they never stopped. Hats off to them," said New Zealand skipper, centre Jack Goodhue, adding that Argentina deserved to be in the top four on this display.
Goodhue also paid tribute to the late Jerry Collins.

"JC was a great player and I wish we could have put in a more hearty performance."

The TV interviewer seemed to suggest that New Zealand should be happy having had such a stern challenge given they never strike that in the pool stages, obviously oblivious to the fact that South Africa lowered New Zealand in last year's JWC pool.

The first half was again messy from New Zealand, the Argentines ripping into the collisions and getting in their face in the backline. Wing Vince Aso was sinbinned for tackling a player in the air, a dumb play from one who should know better.

The boot of Emiliano Bofelli saw Argentina take an early 9-3 lead before Aso made amends, with a telling role in a brilliant team try. A double miss move from a lineout saw him make an incision and feed halfback Harrison Levien, who then flicked the ball over his head for fullback Luteru Laulala to score in sensational fashion.

Second five TJ Faiane, who straightened the attack all day with some penetrative running, then made a searing run to set up wing Sean Wainui as New Zealand went to the halftime break at 15-12.

Otere Black, still jetlagged, subbed on at the 48 minute mark but controlled play nicely and slotted three from three off the tee. However, he had a nasty welcome from Argentine No 18 Ignacio Colles, who applied a sleeper hold to the Hurricane, for which he was duly yellow carded. Laulala too found himself in the bin not long afterwards.

Argentina drew level at 15-all before two New Zealand tries in three minutes appeared to break the game open.

Black's cutout pass found Laulala, back on the park, and he fed Tevita Li who made a break down the left flank before an in-pass to replacement halfback Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi.

Akira Ioane then secured the bonus point by bolting 40m off another Faiane dart.
You might have thought New Zealand would kick on from this and shut out the game, but no. Two tries from Argentine lineout drives to No 6 Benito Paolucci brought the Pumitas back to 29-all. New Zealand did not contest the first lineout and paid the ultimate price. They tried to stymie the second drive but to no avail.

A 77th minute penalty saw Black step up and nervelessly pilot home the winning three points.

In the other Pool C match this morning, Ireland edged Scotland 24-20.

New Zealand 32 (Luteru Laulala, Sean Wainui, Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi, Akira Ioane tries; Otere Black 2 con, pen, Mitch Hunt con, pen) Argentina 29 (Benito Paolucci 2 tries; Domingo Miotti 2 con, pen, Emiliano Bofelli 3 pen, Matias Ferro dg) Halftime: 15-12 New Zealand