Wales U20s' fightback falls short but young Dragons claim two losing bonus points vs New Zealand

A stirring Wales U20s fightback fell just short but they did pick up two losing bonus points in a 41-34 defeat to New Zealand U20s in the opening round of the World Rugby U20 Championship.

Wales were trailing 41-20 with just 12 minutes to go but fought their way back into the game to claim two losing bonus points but it could have been so much more if they had just taken their chances. But there were plenty of positives for Wales to take out of this game with centre Louie Hennessey and No 8 Morgan Morse outstanding but New Zealand's cutting edged proved to be the difference.

Wales go again against Spain U20s in midweek before facing defending champions France U20s and they will fancy their chances of getting out of the pool. New Zealand drew first blood when scrum-half Dylan Pledger intercepted his opposite number Ieuan Davies' pass on halfway to run in unopposed for a try which Rico Simpson converted.

But Wales hit right back with Hennessey's pass finding Aidan Boshoff on the wing who offloaded back inside for Huw Anderson who scored. Harri Wilde kicked a couple of three pointers but New Zealand were awarded a penalty try after Osian Thomas illegally sacked a driving lineout which also earned the second-row 10 minutes on the sidelines.

The Junior All Blacks were beginning to take control and a lovely angle from impressive centre Xavi Taele earnt them their fourth try. But Wales hit back on the stroke of half-time with a lovely floating pass from Wilde putting Hennessey over at the corner meaning they trailed 24-13 at the interval.

New Zealand drew first blood in the second-half when a long pass from Aki Tuivailala, which was clearly forward, Taele who touched down for his second try. Wales can feel aggrieved at the