5 Jun 2012

NZ juniors beat Samoa

1:52 pm on 5 June 2012

The New Zealand under-20 rugby team has opened the defence of its World Championship title with a 63-0 victory over Samoa in Stellenbosch, South Africa.

The New Zealanders led 36-0 at half time and scored 10 tries in all.

Captain Bryn Hall, the North Harbour halfback, says they started strongly which is good, but they also had some sloppy periods which he is keen to get cleared up.

New Zealand's next match is against Wales on Saturday. The Welsh beat Fiji 44-18.

Ireland caused a huge shock on the opening day, beating hosts South Africa 23-19, while the final match of the day saw another upset as Argentina overturned France 18-15.

In other matches England beat Italy 64-5 and Australia beat Scotland 67-12.