Georgia's Junior Lelos stun New Zealand U20s for first time in history with late try

Georgia’s Junior Lelos ended a four-game losing streak against New Zealand at U20 level with a stunning 22-19 victory over the Junior All Blacks at the Kharebi Arena in Rustavi on Saturday, sealing the win with a try in the final minute of their last warm-up fixture before the 2026 World Rugby U20 Championship.

Coach Vito Kolelishvili’s side scored four tries in total, but the match was far from straightforward. New Zealand controlled the early exchanges, capitalising on Georgian errors and penalties to take the lead with a converted try from a five-metre lineout. Georgia levelled through Mikheil Shioshvili, who powered through two defenders after a quick tap penalty in the 11th minute, with Temur Dzodzuashvili converting to make it 7-7 at half-time.

The Junior All Blacks retook the lead early in the second half when a Georgian midfield error allowed them to hack clear and score on the counter-attack. Georgia responded in the 62nd minute with a moment of individual brilliance — Dachi Tsiklauri producing a stunning between-the-legs pass to release winger Luka Tabatadze in the corner — but a missed conversion left the hosts trailing 14-12.

New Zealand extended their advantage to seven points in the 67th minute, scoring their third try after a sustained period of pressure. Georgia refused to capitulate. Captain Luka Narcia drove over from close range in the 71st minute to close the gap to two points, setting up a frantic finish.

With Georgia heavily penalised throughout, they won a crucial penalty in the 77th minute to maintain possession and territory. In the final minute, a powerful rolling maul created the platform, and Irakli Kolbaia spotted a gap in the disorganised New Zealand defence to snipe from the base of the ruck and score the decisive try, completing a historic 22-19 victory.

The win carries significant momentum into the 2026 World Rugby U20 Championship, which begins on June 27.