Japan U20 vs New Zealand U20 ended without a restart in Kutaisi after nearby lightning strikes stopped play, and World Rugby let the 38-21 score stand for New Zealand. The match was part of the World Rugby U20 Championship in Georgia, where weather also forced changes to other kick-off times.
World Rugby in Kutaisi
World Rugby said the match between New Zealand and Japan was suspended close to the AIA Arena in Kutaisi and would not restart. The governing body added that the final score would stand as New Zealand 38-21 Japan, turning a live contest into an official result before the field could be cleared for a full finish.
"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."
Mika Muliaina at 66 minutes
The scoring pattern had already swung hard before the stoppage. Dane Johnston opened New Zealand's account from close range after early breaks from Charlie Sinton and Micah Fale, while Kise Shin finished a maul try for Japan. Mika Muliaina then went to the sin bin just before Shinnosuke Uchida scored with a kick-and-chase.
Japan pulled level at 21-21 before the break, but New Zealand regained control after halftime. Logan Williams and Caleb Woodley both scored in the second half, and Muliaina added New Zealand's final try at the 66-minute mark, leaving the side ahead 38-21 when lightning ended the match.
Georgia kick-off changes
That score now stands because the tournament rules allowed the result to be recorded once play could not continue. World Rugby also moved the kick-off times for France v Fiji and Australia v Spain because of the same weather around the AIA Arena, a reminder that the suspension affected more than one fixture in Georgia.
