Under-19s looking good for title defence after win over Wales

New Zealand looked strong enough to defend their under-19 world championship rugby crown when they managed a winning start with a 25-8 defeat of Wales in South Africa yesterday.

The defending champions had to survive second-half pressure from the Welsh but secured the victory on the back of a stirring first-half performance which saw them lead 25-3 at the break.

The result was encouraging for the New Zealand team as the Welsh finished second in the Six Nations championship, beaten only by England - another favoured contender here along with Australia and host nation South Africa, who are due to get their campaign under way against Argentina tonight.

New Zealand scored three tries to one against Wales, with national sevens representative Isaia Toeava scoring a try, two conversions and two penalties.

Coach Aussie McLean was pleased for the side to open with a win at Durban, but said there were areas needing addressing.

"It's good to start the tournament on a win, we made a lot of errors today, so we need to sort out our own game and hopefully we can have a good performance in our next match against Romania," he said.

Manawatu prop Scott Murphy scored the first try from a pushover after 15 minutes to add to an early penalty from second five-eighth Toeava.

A second Toeava penalty increased the margin to 13-0 before a Gareth Williams-Davies penalty got Wales on the board. Toeava converted his own try after 29 minutes, before Canterbury No 8 Charles O'Connell crossed just before the break.

The second half was a scrappy affair with New Zealand made to work hard on defence as Wales attempted a comeback. But poor handling let them down and they could only muster a last-minute try to captain Jonathon Spratt.

New Zealand play Romania on Wednesday morning (NZT) before meeting under-19 Six Nations champions England on Sunday morning (NZT).

In other results, Australia scraped past France 10-6. The French upset Australia with strong forward play while the Australians scored against the run of play with a try to winger Liam Bibo.

England beat Scotland 32-11, with fullback Shane Geraghty scoring twice in a five-try haul by the English.

Tonga beat Italy 25-15 and Samoa beat Zimbabwe 27-0.

New Zealand 25 (Scott Murphy, Isaia Toeava, Charles O'Connell tries; Isaia Toeava 2 pen, 2 con)

Wales 8 (Jonathan Spratt try; Gareth Williams-Davies pen).

Halftime: 25-3.

- NZPA