Due to the weather situation, the referee has now concluded the match. Full time New Zealand 38 - 21 Japan.

The players are starting to make their way back to the field. Hoping for an official update soon.

Match postponed due to bad weather.

12 minutes to play, however play stopped due to lightning.

Welcome to the Ultimate Rugby coverage of the match between New Zealand and Japan in this the first round of the U20 World Championship 2026. I am Mandy Leventis and I will be updating scores and events.