Rugby: NZ under-19 beat Ireland

Four tries to fullback Pehi Te Whare propelled New Zealand to a 43-8 win over Ireland in the under-19 world rugby tournament at Stade Louis Dolly outside Paris today (NZT).

New Zealand scored six tries despite spoiling tactics from the Irish in front of about 1000 spectators, including New Zealand's French international Tony Marsh.

New Zealand's other tries went to outstanding Waikato loose forwards Liam Messam and Steven Setephano.

First five-eighth Miah Nikora added four conversions and a penalty in a faultless display of kicking both tactically and at goal.

Before being replaced 22 minutes into the second half the Poverty Bay pivot, with excellent service from halfback Matt France, had played a key role in steering New Zealand to a 31-3 lead.

Earlier Messam scored New Zealand's first try when he burst from a ruck and sidestepped Ireland's fullback, while Setephano had crashed over following a Kurtis Haiu lineout take.

Both tries came when Ireland had a man in the sinbin after one of a number of niggly off the ball incidents. New Zealand prop Karl Haitana was also sinbinned on the stroke of halftime.

New Zealand coach Aussie McLean was disappointed at Ireland's "negative" tactics.

"It was certainly difficult with the way they played," McLean said. "They were very negative tactics... it was a bit disappointing."

Ireland's tacklers killed New Zealand ball and what possession they did have they kicked away.

Te Whare, who played on the wing in New Zealand's first-up win over Namibia, was only too happy to counter attack from any position.

He was a constant threat with the ball in hand, either ranging in support or using his size and agility to beat defenders one on one. But the Waikato back had his team-mates to thank for his quadruple haul.

Te Whare's first try was the result of a sweeping team effort featuring a bustling Messam surge down the sideline. His second came after New Zealand's Jamie Mackintosh-led scrum had shunted Ireland backwards giving Messam the momentum to break from the scrum and put Nikora through a gap on the short side. Te Whare ranged on the outside selling a classic dummy 40m out to beat the Irish fullback.

Quick hands from Setephano and Wulf gave Te Whare enough space to scoot round his opposite for a hat-trick and two minutes later he was in again thanks to a clever chip kick from replacement back Aaron Bancroft.

Te Whare could also have thanked locks Haiu and Isaac Ross for a constant stream of quality lineout ball.

New Zealand again used the full quota of substitutes with Ben Franks coming on at prop, Will Crutchley at lock, Sam Giddens at first five-eighth, Garth Swan at openside flanker and Tavita Mailau at prop, Siaosi Anamani on the wing and Bancroft in the midfield.

McLean said his team had stepped up a notch from their opening performance.

"Our guys kept the ball alive and they showed a lot of patience," he said.

"We still need to be a bit more accurate for longer periods, but for the time we've been together and the age of the players the level of focus is not too bad."

New Zealand next play either Argentina or Scotland on Wednesday for a place in the final.

Scores:

New Zealand 43 (Pehi Te Whare 4, Liam Messam, Steven Setephano tries; Miah Nikora 4 con, pen, Sam Giddens con) Ireland 11 (Mark Melbourne try; Garth Steenson pen). Halftime: 17-0.

- NZPA