Faingaanuku hat-trick powers New Zealand to winning start in U20 Championship

New Zealand U20 42-20 Scotland U20, AIA Arena
Scorecard

Tima Faingaanuku scored a hat-trick as New Zealand started their U20 Championship campaign with a convincing 42-20 win over Scotland in their Pool B encounter at AIA Arena.

Two of Faingaanuku's tries came in the first half in the second and 25th minute and in between the two, hooker Asafo Aumua crossed over as Baby Blacks raced to 19 points at half time.

Scotland hooker Fraser Renwick and winger Darcy Graham responded with a try each of their own as they ended the first half with a trail of nine points.

Even though, an early penalty from Scotland fly-half Connor Eastgate reduced the gap to six points, it was New Zealand, who dominated the remainder of the third quarter with tries from Dalton Papali'i and Orbyn Leger while number 10 Tiaan Falcon added two penalties and a conversion to stretch their lead to 37-13.

Papali'i's sin-bin in the 61st minute allowed Scotland with a small opening as Josh Henderson strolled past the post but it went in vain as Faingaanuku scored his third try in the final minute to seal a 42-20 win for New Zealand, who top Pool B after the bonus point victory.