Job done. New Zealand have opened their World Rugby Under 20 Championship with a solid 55-0 win over Georgia in Salford.
Despite the inclement weather and a powerful Georgian scrum, New Zealand ran in nine tries and looked far too good for their opponents when they spread the ball.
No 8 Mikaele-Tu'u was sat on his backside at the first Georgian charge, but that was the last time he took a backwards step, carrying with power and staying on his feet to set up halfback Sam Nock for a try.
Waikato openside flanker Mitch Jacobson was outstanding, looking for all the world like a young Marty Holah with a sound technique over the ball and in the mauls. He was adjudged man of the match and scored a try while carrying three Georgians over the line before giving the last pass for the final try of the night to replacement Hapakuki Moala-Liava'a.
The backline was slick, putting together some clinical strike moves, two involving a double miss. Fullback Shaun Stevenson benefited, as did two-try wings Caleb Makene and Jonah Lowe, while Malo Tuitama offered full impact off the bench. They will, however, be looking to eradicate the odd pass to the inside shoulder of the outside man.
