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The New Zealand Black Sox have moved on at the WBSC Softball World Cup despite losing their last group game. The Black Sox fell 7-2 to Venezuela in their Group A finale at Prime Minister's Park in Pince Albert, Canada on Thursday (Friday NZ Time) but had their passage to the top-four Super Round confirmed when Argentina defeated Canada 7-3. LATEST HEADLINES: Ryan Fox in top-10; Ko struggles at major All Whites up to 12-year world ranking high Sharks handle Tuatara, into NBL semifinals Kidwell to join Highlanders coaching setup Black Sox win first two World Cup games Held to six hits by world No 5 Venezuela, the Black Sox's two runs came via lead-off home runs, designated player Thomas Enoka to left-centre in the fourth inning and short stop Cole Evans to right field in the sixth inning. Evans went 2-for-3 at the plate, while Ben Enoka, Jerome Raemaki, Thomas Enoka and Beau Bishop had the other hits for the Black Sox, who struck out 10 times. Pitcher Pita Rona picked up the loss after allowing three earned runs on three hits in 2 2/3 innings of work, before Ben Watts gave up four runs on four hits in 3 1/3 innings in relief. Rhys Evans is tagged out at the plate during the Black Sox loss to Venezuela at the WBSC Softball World Cup. PHOTO: WBSC Venezuela blew the game open early with a four-run third inning for a 5-0 lead as they got to both Rona and Watts. The win also secured their place in the Super Round. After a day off, the Black Sox will face the USA on Saturday, before playing Japan, along with a potential final or third-place playoff, on Sunday

Ryan Fox made only five pars during his first round at the Scottish Open. PHOTO: DP WORLD TOUR New Zealand golfer Ryan Fox is in the top-10 after the opening round at the Scottish Open. Fox fired an eagle, seven birdies and five bogeys in an eventful four-under 66 at The Renaissance Club in North Berwick on Thursday (Friday NZ Time), leaving him tied for ninth, two strokes back. LATEST HEADLINES: All Whites up to 12-year world ranking high Sharks handle Tuatara, into NBL semifinals Kidwell to join Highlanders coaching setup Black Sox win first two World Cup games Tui back in Black Ferns to face Australia Going off the first tee in the afternoon wave, Fox bogeyed the par-four second, before bombing a 47-foot putt for eagle at the par-five third. The world No 29 made birdies at the sixth and ninth holes, along with bogeys at the seventh and eight to make the turn at one-under. Birdies flowed on the back-nine - at the 10th, 12th, 13th, 14th and 16th - but bogeys also came at the 11th and 17th. Fellow Kiwi Daniel Hillier sits tied for 49th after a more mundane one-under 69 on the opening day of the PGA Tour/DP World Tour co-sanctioned tournament. Hillier got to three-under with birdies at the fourth, 10th and 14th holes, before late bogeys at the 15th and 18th. Fox will tee off his second round on Friday from the 10th tee at 8.17am local time (7.17pm NZT), while Hillier starts at 1.32pm local time (12.32am Saturday NZT), also from the back-nine. At the alternate-field event, the ISCO Championship in Louisville, Kentucky, Kazuma Kobori has plenty of work to do to make the cut, in a share of 105th after a three-over 73 in the opening round on Thursday (Friday NZT). It is a similar story for Lydia Ko at the Evian Championship in France, the fourth women's major of the year, after a disappointing first round. Ko carded a two-over 73 - featuring four birdies, four bogeys and a double-bogey - on Thursday (Friday NZT) to be tied for 76th, currently one stroke below the projected cut-line and eight strokes off the pace. The world No 3 will tee off her second round on Friday from the first tee at 12.48pm local time (10.48pm NZT).

Darren Bazeley has been the coach behind the All Whites ranking rivival PHOTO: FIFA + GRAPHIC The All Whites have reached their highest ranking in 12 years, following qualification for the FIFA World Cup 2026 in March and last month’s win over African champions Côte d’Ivoire in Canada. The team has now climbed 23 places since Darren Bazeley took on the role with a four place rise to 82nd since April, the highest since October 2013 which was 79th. LATEST HEADLINES: Kidwell coaching role with HIghlanders Black Sox win first 2 World Cup games No 6 seed Whai advance in NBL playoffs Tui back in Black Ferns to face Australia Career-best for James Watt in Newport “We really believe in what we’re doing as a team, so it’s good to see that reflected in our new ranking, but we know we can still improve our position to better reflect where we feel this team should be,” said head coach Bazeley. “We’ve been able to produce moments against higher-ranked teams over the last few years, with encouraging draws against the Republic of Ireland, the USA and Tunisia, but the win over reigning African champions Côte d’Ivoire in Toronto gives us real confidence that we can get results against big sides, which is hugely significant heading into the FIFA World Cup 2026. “We have some great games coming up, all against highly ranked teams, so when we get to the tournament next year we should be in the best place to perform.” The All Whites plan to have a full calendar of international fixtures in the lead-up to the FIFA World Cup 2026 in Canada, Mexico and the USA. In September, they will take on Australia’s Socceroos for the historic Soccer Ashes trophy over two games, the first at GIO Stadium in Canberra on 5 September, followed by a home match at Go Media Stadium in Auckland on 9 September.

The Southland Sharks are moving on in the National Basketball League (NBL) Playoffs after taking care of business on their home floor. The Sharks rode their hot shooting from the field to pull away from the Auckland Tuatara in the third quarter for a 91-75 victory in their NBL elimination game at Invercargill's ILT Stadium Southland on Thursday night. LATEST HEADLINES: Kidwell to join Highlanders coaching setup Black Sox win first two World Cup games No 6 seed Whai advance in NBL playoffs Tui back in Black Ferns to face Australia Tuipulotu, Tavatavanawai into All Blacks American guard Caleb Asberry exploded for 35 points (16/18 FG, 3/3 3pt), along with 10 assists and four steals in 34 minutes, while three other Sharks starters finished in double-digits. Fellow import Josiah Allick recorded a double-double, with 19 points (8/8 FG), 14 rebounds and four assists, Keylan Boone had 11 points (4/8 FG), four boards and six steals, and Kiwi big Sam Timmins 10 points (5/9 FG), six rebounds, four assists and three blocks. Southland also got valuable contributions off the bench, with captain Alonzo Burton adding nine points and Brayden Inger seven points and nine boards. Caleb Asberry went off for 35 points, 10 assists and four steals for the Southland Sharks. PHOTO: NBL Tall Blacks forward Tom Vodanovich top-scored for the Tuatara with 22 points (7/15 FG, 6/12 3pt), four rebounds and three steals but without Rob Loe and Reuben Te Rangi, they did not have enough offensively. Auckland's three American imports were the only others in double figures, with Luther Muhammad going for 18 points (8/20 FG), four boards, five assists and two steals, Buay Tuach 17 points (7/13 FG) and four steals, and Charles Pride 11 points (4/11 FG, 3/6 3pt) and seven rebounds. The Tuatara shot just 36 percent from the field and 33 percent on three-point attempts, while they were outrebounded 45-35. Despite committing 25 turnovers, the Sharks were not troubled in the second half, after taking the lead for good with a 12-0 run midway through the first period. They shot 60 percent from the floor and 40 percent outside the perimeter. Auckland were still within a point late in the second quarter but a 16-5 stretch to end the third changed the game, with the Southland going up 21 points. The Tuatara never got closer than 16 points in the fourth. In the semifinals, the Sharks will face the two-time defending champion Canterbury Rams at Christchurch's Cowles Stadium on Saturday (tip-off 2pm), while the regular season champion Wellington Saints will host the Tauranga Whai at TSB Arena on Sunday (tip-off 3pm). Southland Sharks 91 (Caleb Asberry 35, Josiah Allick 19, Keylan Boone 11, Sam Timmins 10) Auckland Tuatara 75 (Tom Vodanovich 22, Luther Muhammad 18, Buay Tuach 17, Charles Pride 11). 1Q: 26-18, HT: 47-38, 3Q: 76-57

David Kidwell is joining the Highlanders as defence coach PHOTO: JOSEPH JOHNSON/LINTOTT PHOTOGRAPHY The Highlanders thave confirmed a key change to their coaching line-up ahead for the 2026 Super Rugby Pacific season. Current Defence Coach, Dave Dillon, is set to depart the franchise at the end of the New Zealand U20 campaign in Italy after three seasons with the Highlanders. LATEST HEADLINES: Black Sox win first 2 World Cup games No 6 seed Whai advance in NBL playoffs Tui back in Black Ferns to face Australia Career-best for James Watt in Newport Tuipulotu, Tavatavanawai into All Blacks Replacing Dillon as Defence Coach is former player and Head Coach of the Kiwis David Kidwell. Kidwell brings with him plenty of experience in both rugby and league including serving as Defence Coach for the Argentine national side under Michael Cheika, during their run to the 2023 Rugby World Cup semi-finals. Recently he has served as the defence coach for the Japanese Brave Blossoms under Eddie Jones and the Leicester Tigers again with Cheika. Joseph welcomed Kidwell’s appointment and the knowledge he will bring to the role. "David brings a unique skill set, an intense defensive mindset, and strong mana. His experience at the international level, both in league and union, makes him an exciting addition to our coaching group. We’re confident he’ll bring real steel to our defensive identity." Kidwell is also looking forward to the experience: “I’m really excited to be coaching the Highlanders, and to be back home in New Zealand 30 years on from when I left as an 18-year-old to pursue my dream of playing in the NRL - a journey built on grit, hard work, and a winning mindset. Now, as a defence coach, I thrive on adding value to organisations both on and off the field. I bring a strong focus on physicality, mindset, and team culture, and I believe that success is built not just through discipline and effort, but also through having some fun along the way. he said ” Kidwell will join the Highlanders coaching team later in 2025 prior to the 2026 preseason. The Highlanders finished bottom of the 2025 Super Rugby points tble with three wins.

Ruby Tui is back in the Black Ferns team to face Australia in Wellington PHOTO: LINTOTT PHOTOGRPAHY The Black Ferns have named their match-day 23 to play Australia in the O’Reilly Cup infront of a sold out crowd at Sky Stadium, Wellington on Saturday,. Matatū lock Laura Bayfield is in line for her Black Ferns debut off the bench following an impressive performance for the Black Ferns XV in Whangārei last weekend. LATEST HEADLINES: Watt career-best Hall of Fame Open Tuipulotu, Tavatavanawai in All Blacks Baby Blacks beat Ireland reach semis Confirmed AUNZ XV to face Lions Allen out of Black Caps v Zimbabwe Team stalwart Kelly Brazier will play in her first Test since 2021, bringing over 15 years of experience to the team. Black Ferns Director of Performance Allan Bunting said both Bayfield and Brazier have earned this weekend’s opportunities based on hard work. “Laura was a standout throughout Sky Super Rugby Aupiki this year and has put in the work. She topped all stats for the Black Ferns XV in Whangārei and deserves her opportunity to debut this weekend. It’s going to be a proud moment for Laura and her whānau. It has also been great having Kelly in the July Series squad, her experience has really added to our depth at 10,” Bunting said. The starting XV has Georgia Ponsonby anchor the scrum alongside props Chryss Viliko and Tanya Kalounivale. Chelsea Bremner and Maiakawanakaulani Roos make up the locking duo, while co-captain Alana Bremner shifts to the loose forwards with Jorja Miller and Liana Mikaele-Tu’u. Risaleaana Pouri-Lane start at halfback alongside co-captain Ruahei Demant in the number 10 jersey. Logo-I-Pulotu Lemapu-Atai’i Sylvia Brunt and Stacey Waaka combine in the midfield with Katelyn Vahaakolo and Portia Woodman-Wickliffe on the wings. Renee Holmes starts her first Test of the year at fullback rounding out the starting XV. After being recalled into the squad earlier this week as injury cover, Ruby Tui will celebrate her 20th Test off the bench alongside Amy Rule who celebrates her 30th Test, Vici-Rose Green, Awhina Tangen-Wainohu, Layla Sae and Iritiana Hohaia. “We’re really looking forward to playing in front of our whānau and friends on Saturday. I want to take the time to thank everyone for coming out to support our home games this year. Your continued support is incredibly valuable to us as we embark on our Rugby World Cup journey in England next month,” said Bunting. It is the last time the Black Ferns play at home before travelling to the World Cup. Black Ferns : Renee Holmes, Portia Woodman-Wickliffe, Stacey Waaka, Logo-I-Pulotu Lemapu Atai’i (Sylvia) Brunt, Katelyn Vahaakolo, Ruahei Demant (co-capt), Risaleaana Pouri-Lane, Liana Mikaele-Tu’u, Jorja Miller, Alana Bremner (co-capt), Chelsea Bremner, Maiakawanakaulani Roos, Tanya Kalounivale, Georgia Ponsonby, Chryss Viliko. Reserves: Vici-Rose Green, Awhina Tangen-Wainohu, Amy Rule, Laura Bayfield, Layla Sae, Iritana Hohaia, Kelly Brazier, Ruby Tui.

The New Zealand Black Sox have made it two-from-two at the WBSC Softball World Cup Finals. The Black Sox followed their opening day 8-3 win over hosts Canada with a 4-1 victory against world No 1 Argentina on Wednesday (Thursday NZ Time) at Prime Minister's Park in Prince Albert, Saskatchewan. LATEST HEADLINES: No 6 seed Whai advance in NBL playoffs Tui back in Black Ferns to face Australia Career-best for James Watt in Newport Tuipulotu, Tavatavanawai into All Blacks Baby Blacks thrash Ireland, reach semis The Thomas Makea-coached side face Venezuela in their final Group A game on Thursday (8.30am Friday NZT), but a place in the top-four Super Round is not guaranteed. A win over the world No 5 Venezuelans would secure top spot in the group, while an Argentina win over Canada would also clinch it. The top-two teams from each group move on to the Super Round, with wins carrying over. The Black Sox have won back-to-back games to open the WBSC Softball World Cup. PHOTO: WBSC Liam Potts was masterful on the mound against Argentina, striking out 11 batters in a complete game four-hitter. At the plate, second baseman Tane Mumu went 3-for-3 and scored two runs, while Cole Evans, Rhys Evans and Seth Gibson drove in runs. After the teams exchanged runs in the second inning, the Black Sox went ahead in the top of the fifth with two runs. Mumu and Ben Enoka had back-to-back singles to start the inning, with Mumu scoring on an throwing error from a Gibson bunt, while Enoka was thrown out at the plate. In the next at-bat, Cole Evans drove Gibson in from second with a double to right-centre. Gibson provided an insurance run in the seventh, doubling down the left field line to score Mumu. Against the Canadians, designated player Thomas Enoka went 3-for-4, with two RBIs, and left fielder Reilly Makea 2-for-4, with a home run and three RBIs. Ben Enoka and Cole Evans also drove in runs, while Te Kirika Nicola-Cooper, Hohepa Monk and Dante Makea-Matakatea also had hits. Pita Rona got the win on the mound, striking out four and allowing five hits and three earned runs in four-plus innings of work. Potts and Ben Watts combined for three shutout innings to close it out. Back-to-back doubles from Makea and Thomas Enoka put New Zealand on the board in the first, before adding a run in the next three innings for a 5-1 lead. After the hosts answered with two in the bottom of the fifth, the Black Sox put the game away with three runs in the next half-inning. Mumu drew a walk, stole second and reached third on a throwing error, before scoring on a fielder’s choice. Makea crushed a first-pitch bomb to deep centre field, also scoring Cole Evans to put the game on ice.

After just scraping into the National Basketball League (NBL) Playoffs, the Tauranga Whai are now into the Final Four. With assistant coach Tane Bennett in charge, the sixth-seeded Whai clamped down defensively and routed the favoured Taranaki Airs 83-67 at New Plymouth's TSB Stadium on Wednesday night. LATEST HEADLINES: Tui back in Black Ferns to face Australia Career-best for James Watt in Newport Tuipulotu, Tavatavanawai into All Blacks Baby Blacks thrash Ireland, reach semis Talented AUNZ XV squad to face Lions The reward for the second-year Whai is a matchup with the regular season champion Wellington Saints (16-4) at TSB Arena in the second semifinal on Sunday (tip-off 3pm). Former NZ Breakers guard Mojave King provided the offensive, scoring a game-high 31 points (11/20 FG, 4/9 3pt, 5/7 FT) to go with four rebounds and three steals, while Anzac Rissetto and Sean Murphy took care of things in the paint. Kiwi big Rissetto put up 17 points (7/12 FG, 3/7 FT), 10 rebounds and blocks, while Australian forward Sean Murphy contributed nine points, 11 rebounds and two blocks. Mojave King scored a game-high 31 points to lead the Tauranga Whai past the Taranaki Airs. PHOTO: NBL Breakers small forward Sean Bairstow had a complete game, with nine points, seven boards and seven assists, NZ guard Kruz Perrott-Hunt 10 points (2/5 FG, 5/8 FT) and six rebounds, and Jayden Bezzant seven points and five assists off the bench. Another Breaker, Kiwi forward Carlin Davison, recorded a triple-double for Taranaki in the loss, going for 21 points (9/19 FG), 12 rebounds and 10 assists, along with two steals and two blocks. American wing Armon Fletcher was the only other Airs player in double-digits, with 16 points (6/12 FG, 2/5 3pt) and two steals, while Dom Kelman Poto added nine points off the bench. Taranaki led for all of 1 minute 59 seconds in the game, early in the first period, but the Whai soon took control, ahead nine after the first quarter. They stretched it to 12 by the main break and 19 through three quarters. After falling behind by 23 early in the fourth, the Airs made some inroads, briefly cutting the gap to 10 points with an 18-5 run, but it only gave their fans false hope. The NBL Playoffs continue on Thursday night when the fourth-seeded Southland Sharks host the Auckland Tuatara at ILT Stadium Southland in Invercargill (tip-off 7pm). Tauranga Whai 83 (Mojave King 31, Anzac Rissetto 17, Kruz Perrott-Hunt 10) Taranaki Airs 67 (Carlin Davison 21, Armon Fletcher 16). 1Q: 21-12, HT: 43-31, 3Q: 67-48

Ardie Savea will captain the All Blacks against France in the second test in Wellington PHOTO: JOHN COWPLAND/ACTION PRESS/NZR SUPPLIED An experienced replacement and newbie have been called into the All Blacks for the second test against France on Saturday in Wellington, a venue the visitors have never won at. Timoci Tavatavanawai will have the opportunity to earn his first All Blacks cap this Saturday night, becoming the fifth debutant this season so far. He has been named on the bench in one of three changes to the line-up that beat France in Dunedin last weekend. LATEST HEADLINES: Baby Blacks beat Ireland reach semis Confirmed AUNZ XV to face Lions Allen out of Black Caps v Zimbabwe Phoenix Women make big changes Routliffe out in Wimbledon quarters With Scott Barrett unavailable for the remainder of the series due to a calf injury, Patrick Tuipulotu comes in at lock and Ardie Savea will captain the side from the openside. Caleb Clarke will make his first start of 2025 in the No 11 jersey, while Rieko Ioane shifts to the right wing. “Test series are a unique and exciting opportunity. Both teams now have a better idea of what they’re going to get on Saturday night, and both will lift for this next occasion. We know where we need to improve,” said head coach Scott Robertson. “It is also awesome to be part of a double-header with the Black Ferns, who will take on Australia at 4:30pm. "We’ve enjoyed connecting with the team this week and know they will put on a spectacle for the fans at Sky Stadium, in their last domestic game before the Rugby World Cup.” ALL BLACKS: Will Jordan, Rieko Ioane, Billy Proctor, Jordie Barrett, Caleb Clarke, Beauden Barrett, Cam Roigard, Christian Lio-Willie, Ardie Savea (captain), Tupou Vaa'i, Fabian Holland, Patrick Tuipulotu, Fletcher Newell, Codie Taylor, Ethan de Groot. Reserves: Samisoni Taukei'aho, Ollie Norris, Pasilio Tosi, Samipeni Finau, Du'Plessis Kirifi, Cortez Ratima, Timoci Tavatavanawai, Damian McKenzie

James Watt is rapidly improving his results on the ATP Tour PHOTO: HALL OF FAME OPEN South Canterbury's James Watt is having the best pro tournament of his career, reaching the singles quarterfinals of the Hall Of Fame Open Challenger in Rhode Island. The tournament is a $125,000 event with a long history on the grass. LATEST HEADLINES: Tuipulotu, Tavatavanawai in All Blacks Baby Blacks beat Ireland reach semis Confirmed AUNZ XV to face Lions Allen out of Black Caps v Zimbabwe Phoenix Women make big changes Watt is a Lucky Loser from qualifying who won his first round over American Tristan McCormick and then beat another American Patrick Nakibet 6-3 6-3 to reach the last eight. Watt, 25 has an ATP singles ranking of 722 with Maloney ranked around 400 spots higher. The win earns Watt 16 ATP ranking points and US$5700. The doubles match featuring Watt and Finn Reynolds against the top seeded American pair of Robert Cash and JJ Tracy has yet to be completed. Watt is currently ranked 170 in doubles after winning the Challenger title in Cary last week with Reynolds.

A big win for New Zealand to make the semifinals of the Under-20 Rugby World Championship PHOTO: NZ RUGBY New Zealand has qualified for the semifinals of the Under-20 Rugby World Championship in Italy after another big victory. The kiwi side scored a 69-22 win over Ireland in Calvisano to finish unbeaten at the top of their pool, but it didn't start as expected. LATEST HEADLINES: Confirmed AUNZ XV to face Lions Allen out of Black Caps v Zimbabwe Phoenix Women make big changes Routliffe out in Wimbledon quarters Scott Barrett out of French series Ireland crossed the first two tries of the match, however after that as the Junior All Blacks ran away with the game. The New Zealand Under-20's got on a roll with five first-half tries to lead 31-15 at the break and then added another six in the second half. Otago halfback Dylan Pledger scored two first-half tries, while Tasman wing Maloni Kunawave and Southland hooker Shaun Kempton grabbed two each after the break. Hawke's Bay first five Will Cole was successful with six conversions. New Zealand beat Italy 14-5 in their first pool game and Georgia 38-19 in their second. The Junior All Blacks semifinals opponents will be France, while South Africa and Argentina face off in the other game.. New Zealand Under 20: 69 (Mosese Bason, Xavier Tracey, Cooper Roberts, Will Cole, Dylan Pledger 2. Frank Vaenuku, Shaun Kempston 2, Maloni Kunawave 2 tries; Will Cole 6 cons, Rico Simpson con) Ireland Under 20: 22 (Oisin Minogue, Daniel Green, Billy Bohan tries; Tom Wood con, pen) HT: 31-15.

In sweltering Viadana heat, the New Zealand Under-20 side proved too hot for Georgia 38-19, winning their second match at the World Rugby Under-20 Championship. In contrast to the sputtering start against Italy, New Zealand enjoyed greater fluidity on attack and discipline on defence on Friday (Saturday NZ Time). LATEST HEADLINES: All Blacks record tight 500th test victory Pulse too strong for Stars in Premiership Wimbledon win for Routliffe, Venus loses Junior Tall Blacks reach FIBA U-19 semis Garvey keeps up form on European Tour The Junior Lelos won seven scrum penalties in their 35-28 loss against Ireland but had no such profit against New Zealand, who in the second half also defused three menacing mauls inside their 22.  Georgia made a passionate and precise start. Halfback Giorgi Spanderashvili wrenched an early turnover at the ruck. Rapid and belligerent phases ensued, and Shota Kheladze speared low and hard to reach the line. New Zealand responded when wing Maloni Kunawave created a turnover, resulting in a quick tap penalty by Oli Mathis, which earned Luka Keshelava a yellow card for a cynical offside tackle. New Zealand ran in six tries to beat Georgia 38-19 at the World Rugby Under-20 Championship. PHOTO: NZ RUGBY/ACTION PRESS Following another tap, New Zealand quickly moved the ball left, with James Cameron delivering a pass to Harlyn Saunoa, who dived into the corner with a style, reminiscent of Greg Louganis. New Zealand botched the restart, leading to a penalty for Georgia, which allowed Toulon No 8 Mikheil Shioshvili to maul over for a try.  Georgia failed to retain their kick off, enabling New Zealand to strike back. ‘Harlyn Air’ rinsed and repeated from a spiralled Tane Harvey pass.  Prop Bachuki Baratashvili was yellow-carded for a second consecutive game for a head-on-head tackle. His departure was the cue for New Zealand to wrestle firm control.  Halfback Dylan Pledger sent Mathis thundering into a hole. Mathis transferred back to Pledger, who was tipped over but offloaded from the ground to lock Xavier Tracey as New Zealand led for the first time after 25 minutes. Eli Oudenryn expanded that advantage when he splintered off a maul and stampeded clear for a bonus-point try. Lock Aissake Vakasiuola gathered a charitable lineout throw and sauntered in as New Zealand turned 31-14 ahead at the interval. New Zealand’s growing ascendancy was illustrated by the fact that they made 34 of 35 first-half tackles, and Georgia missed 27 tackles. A 43rd-minute pitchside fire briefly held up proceedings, and there was no scoring for the last 34 minutes as the game staggered from stoppage to stoppage, with the players visibly strained by the searing heat. Rampaging No.8 Micah Fale did not cool with a game-high 13 carries for 90 metres. Oudenryn was lively, Simpson silky, and New Zealand’s wings combined for five turnovers, a dozen defenders beaten, and 142 metres gained. Mathis had two turnovers while adding an extra dimension to New Zealand’s attack.  New Zealand have won 57 of their 71 matches at the world Under-20 championships. Their previous victories over Georgia were 55-0 in 2016, 45-13 in 2019, and 50-26 in 2023. New Zealand Under-20 38 (Harlyn Saunoa 2, Xavier Tracey, Eli Oudenryn, Aissake Vakasiuola, Maloni Kunawave tries: Rico Simpson 4 cons) Georgia 19 (Shota Kheladze, Mikheil Shioshvili, Mikheil Khakhubia tries; Luka Takaishvili 2 cons) HT: 31-14