NZ Colts in runaway World Cup win over Japan

1.30pm

HENLEY, England - The New Zealand Colts scored a comfortable 61-14 win over Japan in their opening game of the International Rugby Board (IRB) Under-21 World Cup in Henley on Friday (Saturday NZ time).

Fullback Ben Atiga scored 15 points from five conversions and a try before being withdrawn from the action once the match was in control on the hour mark.

In fact, it had been in control much before that after the Japanese had come at the New Zealanders in typically aggressive fashion. When Colts hooker Roger Dustow crashed over for the first try in the second minute it looked as if the floods gates would open.

Japan though, mustered the resolve to stem the flow of points and draw level after 14 minutes when right wing Masaya Omukai sped over the line.

The corresponding fixture last year saw the Japanese hold in a similar fashion for nearly the entire first half before the dam wall burst and the Colts romped to a 99-8 win.

It was slightly different this time as New Zealand failed to make the most of their chances and looked a little rusty.

But when they got it right it was a joy to watch.

The parity was tilted the way of the Colts in the 22nd minute when the ever impressive number eight Thomas Waldrom bashed over for his first try.

Five minutes before the break centre Rudolffe Wulf was over for a try and in injury time at the end of the period Waldrom broke through for his second.

The Colts were firmly in control and squad captain Sam Tuitupou, who was named as vice-captain for the game, was withdrawn at halftime.

With France and Australia still to play in the next eight days, preserving the players is a high priority for coach Bryce Woodward.

The Colts continued to attack the brave Japanese defensive line and began to look more polished as the game wore on despite a host of substitutions in the second half.

Atiga scored the first try of the half and after he had slotted the conversion he was replaced by Stephen Donald.

It hardly slowed the scoring and Dustow went in for his second try which was converted by stand-off Tusi Pisi in the 50th minute.

Flank Michael Kedgley added a try with ten minutes remaining which was followed by tries for replacement back row Thomas Harding and one for Donald as the game came to its logical end.

The Colts will welcome the five points but they know that the tournament promises to become much more difficult in the coming week when France, who beat Italy 34-7, await at the famous Iffley Road ground.

Scorers: New Zealand - Tries: Roger Dustow (2), Thomas Waldrom (2), Rudolffe Wulf, Ben Atiga, Michael Kedgley, Thomas Harding, Stephen Donald. Conversions: Atiga (5) Tusi Pisi (2), Donald.

Japan - Tries: Masaya Omukai, Naoya Nomura. Conversions: Nomura (2).

- NZPA