New Zealand U20 vs Scotland U20

New Zealand struck first through left wing Logan Williams in the 17th minute, finishing a sweeping backline move that carved open the Scottish defence. Fly-half Mika Muliaina converted and added a penalty in the 22nd minute to stretch the lead to 10–0.

Cohen Norrie crossed twice in four minutes either side of the 40-minute mark — the first in the 36th minute from close range after sustained phase play, and the second on the stroke of halftime after a slick offload in midfield. Muliaina converted both, and New Zealand led 17–0 with the break approaching.

Scotland refused to fold. No 8 Harvey Preston burrowed over from a driving maul in the 39th minute, and Jake Dalziel's conversion cut the deficit to 17–7 at the interval.

The second half began at breakneck speed. Hooker and co-captain Joe Roberts scored twice in 11 minutes — the first in the 44th minute from close range after a lineout drive, and a second in the 55th minute following a sharp break from Dalziel. Dalziel converted both, and suddenly Scotland trailed just 29–19 with a quarter of the match remaining.

But New Zealand responded each time. Centre Siale Pahulu crossed in the 47th minute after a sharp cutback line, Muliaina converting, and replacement Johnny Falloon crashed over from short range in the 67th minute for his side's fifth try.

Scotland winger Dan Kelly scored a well-taken try in the 83rd minute after sustained pressure, Dalziel converting, but it arrived too late to shift the outcome.

The sequence either side of halftime proved decisive. Norrie's try on the stroke of the break gave New Zealand a 10-point cushion at 17–7, when 17–0 would have felt significantly more commanding. Scotland responded immediately through Preston, but Norrie's score meant they still trailed by two scores rather than one heading into the sheds.

Momentum swung again early in the second half when Scotland scored two quick tries through Roberts (44', 55') to cut the gap to 10 points. Yet New Zealand matched every Scottish score immediately — Pahulu's try in the 47th minute came just three minutes after Roberts's first, and Falloon's in the 67th minute snuffed out Scotland's best spell of the match.

Mika Muliaina (New Zealand U20) — The fly-half contributed 11 points through four conversions and a penalty, orchestrating New Zealand's attack with composure. He was the top individual scorer on the pitch.

Cohen Norrie (New Zealand U20) — Two first-half tries either side of the break, both finished with clinical poaching instincts. His second on the stroke of halftime was the most important score of the match.

Joe Roberts (Scotland U20) — The co-captain and hooker scored a second-half brace, both from close-range driving mauls, leading from the front as Scotland threatened a remarkable comeback.

Jake Dalziel (Scotland U20) — The stand-off kicked three conversions and was central to Scotland's best attacking moments in the second half, organising the backs with authority.

New Zealand spent 67 minutes in the lead compared to Scotland's nil, and registered 84% possession in the final 10 minutes — a figure that reflects game management as much as dominance, given the narrow scoreline. Scotland made 22 entries into the New Zealand 22 to New Zealand's 11, yet both sides averaged 3.2 points per entry, underlining how clinical both teams were when they reached the red zone.

The ruck-speed battle was more even than the scoreline suggests: New Zealand won 63 rucks to Scotland's 56, with both teams securing quick ball (0–3 seconds) at comparable rates (51% to 36% for New Zealand). Scotland's higher share of slow rucks (28% at 6+ seconds) hints at where they lost attacking momentum.

New Zealand U20 sit top of Pool B with maximum points from two matches, having beaten Scotland and Italy. Scotland have one win and one defeat, leaving their qualification hopes dependent on remaining pool fixtures. Both sides play again next week — New Zealand face South Africa U20 on 8 July, while Scotland meet Italy U20 on the same date.

A high-quality, open contest that swung in phases. New Zealand's physical edge and ability to score in bursts ultimately proved the difference, but Scotland showed genuine spirit and attacking threat. The 10-point margin slightly flatters New Zealand based on second-half momentum; Scotland will feel they left points on the field.

Match details: World Rugby U20 Championship, Pool B. AIA Arena, Kutaisi, Georgia. Referee: Gonzalo de Achaval. Kick-off: 2 July 2026, 14:00 UTC.