Rugby: NZ U-20s thrash Scotland

New Zealand centre and vice-captain Jack Goodhue (L). Photo / Mark Mitchell.

New Zealand have opened their World Rugby Under 20 Championship campaign in style with a 68-10 thrashing of Scotland in Parma.

Once they had worked out the often mysterious breakdown rulings of Argentine referee Juan Sylvestre and found their rhythm, New Zealand made Scotland pay with their wide continuity game.

In the early exchanges, Scotland played to their driving lineout strength, scoring through that venue via lock Lewis Carmichael, though he actually dropped the ball in the tackle.

New Zealand centre and vice-captain Jack Goodhue was sinbinned, possibly unfairly, for what was deemed a trip.

Just before the quarter mark, No 6 Akira Ioane kick-started New Zealand with a burst down the flanks - he was given free rein to terrorise the Scottish defence in this manner all game - to set up fullback George Bridge for the opening try.

Wing Tevita Li, who scored seven tries in the 2014 tournament in New Zealand, bolted 45m for a breakout second try and New Zealand were away. Another try to Ioane followed and New Zealand went to halftime at 27-10 to the good, their 2-3 passes off each phase having Scotland on the rack.

Six tries followed in the second spell, and even when coach Scott Robertson emptied his bench, they lost little structure.

Scotland's cause was not helped when centre Archie Russell was yellow carded for a dangerous tackle on Jack Goodhue.

All three loose forwards were outstanding, especially Blake Gibson before he was subbed at the 50 minute mark. Openside Mitch Karpik celebrated his 20th birthday in style, scoring a try from a lineout drive as New Zealand gave Scotland a taste of their own medicine.

New Zealand's dominance was underlined by their final try, to second five TJ Faiane, who ran 40m and had to pull his shorts up in the process, but he was unimpeded.

First five Mitch Hunt, who may be keeping the jersey warm for Otere Black, showed some classy touches, scoring a solo try from a simple scrum move and slotting 10 goals from 13 attempts for a personal haul of 28 points.

New Zealand's scrum monstered Scotland from the get-go, and they had too much of an allround game for the Scots to handle, though Sean Lineen's men did not aid themselves with unforced errors such as having players in front of the kickoff and failing to find touch from penalties.

New Zealand captain Atu Moli was, ultimately, happy with the display.

"Scotland came strong at us in the first 10 minutes and there were a lot of penalties. I wouldn't say I was frustrated. I was just trying to get a good relationship with the referee," said the tighthead prop, diplomatically.

New Zealand now gear up to face Argentina on Saturday. They were edged 18-16 by Six Nations champions Ireland in the other Pool C encounter.

In Pool A, France beat Wales 19-10 and England overwhelmed Japan 59-7, while in Pool B, Australia subdued Samoa 34-22 and South Africa defeated home side Italy 33-5.

New Zealand 68 (George Bridge, Tevita Li, Akira Ioane, Blake Gibson, Mitch Karpik, Jack Goodhue, Geoff Cridge, Mitch Hunt, TJ Faiane tries; Hunt 7 con, 3 pen) Scotland 10 (Lewis Carmichael try; Rory Hutchinson con, pen) Halftime: 27-10 New Zealand