Lightning forces abandonment of New Zealand U20 vs Japan U20 with Baby Blacks leading 38-21

New Zealand’s World Rugby U20 Championship Pool B clash with Japan in Kutaisi was abandoned on Saturday after lightning strikes close to the AIA Arena forced a suspension of play that World Rugby subsequently confirmed would not be restarted. The final score stands at 38-21 to New Zealand.

In an official statement, World Rugby said: “Following lightning strikes close to the AIA Arena in Kutaisi the match between New Zealand and Japan was suspended and will not restart. In accordance with the tournament rules the final score will stand as New Zealand 38-21 Japan. The welfare of the players, officials and fans must always come first.”

The Baby Blacks had made a fast start to the contest, with Dane Johnston finishing from close range after early breaks from Charlie Sinton and Micah Fale. Japan responded through a maul try from Kise Shin and grew into the game as New Zealand’s discipline wavered — Mika Muliaina was sin-binned just before Shinnosuke Uchida’s clever kick-and-chase score. Sota Miura’s try then levelled proceedings before the interval, underlining Japan’s sharpness and willingness to play.

Chris Boyd’s side reasserted control in the second half through a more direct approach. Logan Williams finished a well-worked move before Caleb Woodley powered over from close range as the New Zealand pack began to dominate. Bradley Tocker and Haki Wiseman provided consistent go-forward that Japan struggled to contain.

Muliaina, despite a mixed afternoon with the boot, capped the scoring with a well-taken try after slicing through the line. With New Zealand firmly in the ascendancy, the lightning suspension brought proceedings to a permanent halt, freezing the score at 38-21.

World Rugby also confirmed that the day’s second Pool match, France against Fiji, would commence as soon as conditions were deemed safe.