Rugby: U-20s thrash Wales

Lima Sopoaga scores for New Zealand. Photo / Getty Images

The New Zealand under-20 rugby team ran in 14 tries to crush Wales 92-0 in their second match at the world junior championship in Rovigo in Italy this morning (NZT).

The three-time champions opened the scoring after just 56 seconds at the Stadio Mario Battaglini through Chiefs flanker Sam Cane and added six more tries before the break, including a second to Cane, to lead 45-0 at the interval.

Seven more tries came after the resumption with winger Charles Piutau and second five-eighths Lima Sopoaga both dotting down twice. First five-eighths Gareth Anscombe was successful with 11 of his 14 conversion attempts.

Coach Mark Anscombe, who made nine changes to the side that thumped Italy 64-7 on Saturday, said the forwards took control to give the backs the chance to run amok and establish the biggest winning margin in the four-year history of the tournament.

"Getting some dominance up front laid the platform for our backs, who showed today, right across the park from nine to 15, they are all capable of finding gaps. Given a bit of space they were all dangerous and they weaved their magic today because they had good quality ball provided to them," he said.

Captain Luke Whitelock said they were intent on maintaining their high octane brand of rugby and maintain their standards for the duration of the event.

"It's an exciting brand of rugby to play, plenty of fast ball, lots of running. We just need to make sure we continue that sort of form throughout the tournament," he said.

New Zealand's final pool match is against the junior Pumas on Sunday (NZT).

New Zaaland U20 92 (Sam Cane 2, Charles Piutau 2, Lima Sopoaga 2, Luke Whitelock, Steven Luatua, Rhy Llewellyn, TJ Perenara, Beauden Barrett, Brad Shields, Glen Robertson, Brad Weber tries; Gareth Anscombe 11 con) Wales U20 0. Halftime: 45-0

- NZPA