New Zealand advanced to the semifinals of the under-19 rugby world championships in stunning fashion by overwhelming host nation Italy 80-8 in Padova today.
Italy had beaten Ireland in the opening round but they were comprehensively taken apart when the game opened up to allow New Zealand's pace and accuracy to
come to the fore.
New Zealand scored 12 tries to Italy's one and had the game in safe keeping by halftime when they led 56-0.
Four players scored two tries each for the New Zealanders, who have now scored 25 scored in two matches.
Despite such a comfortable win, New Zealand manager Kevin Gimblett insists his side have plenty of work to do.
"We did make some unforced errors and dropped the ball a few times when in the position to score tries and that's something we'll be looking at," Gimblett said.
"We will be reminding the players to focus on their individual responsibilities and stressing that they should not get too carried away because the tournament is now teaching a crucial stage."
New Zealand, the defending champions, play South Africa in the semifinals on Thursday morning (NZ time) after the junior Springboks eliminated England 17-8 in a tight struggle.
That match seems to have provided the South Africans with better preparation for a semifinal than New Zealand have had, and the South Africans will also be keen for revenge after last year's 20-34 quarterfinal loss to New Zealand.
New Zealand No 8 Thomas Waldrom, who is attending the tournament for the second time, made a huge impression today.
The powerful Wellingtonian scored his side's opening try after just two minutes and then worked a move with Cory Apoto which produced New Zealand's second try.
Auckland winger Paul Williams was next to score, in the 14th minute, and New Zealand added five more tries before halftime was reached.
The Italians kept battling and were able to find some respectability in the second half by kicking a dropped goal and then scoring a try.
The New Zealanders came through today's game with a few injury concerns, and Gimblett confirmed that their focus had quickly switched to South Africa.
"We are pretty happy to be playing South Africa," he said.
"It will be the first real opportunity that we've had at this tournament to test our strength."
The other semifinal pits France against Argentina.
France, who finished second to New Zealand last year, turned back a strong challenge from Scotland to win 26-17 while Argentina also had a tough time before finally seeing off Wales 12-9.
Scores:
New Zealand 80 (Thomas Waldrom 2, Cory Apoto 2, Pehi Te Whate 2, George Alaese 2, Ray Tuivati, Ben Atiga, Paul Williams, Ben Smith tries; Luke McAlister 9 con, Apoto con)
Italy 8.
Halftime: 56-0.
New Zealand advanced to the semifinals of the under-19 rugby world championships in stunning fashion by overwhelming host nation Italy 80-8 in Padova today.
Italy had beaten Ireland in the opening round but they were comprehensively taken apart when the game opened up to allow New Zealand's pace and accuracy to
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