Georgia Shock New Zealand Before World Rugby U20 Championship
Georgia’s Junior Lelos made history at Kharebi Arena in Rustavi by defeating the New Zealand Junior All Blacks for the first time ever, earning a thrilling 22-19 victory.
The dramatic win came in Georgia’s final warm-up match before the 2026 World Rugby U20 Championship, which begins on June 27.
Four Tries Power Georgia to Historic Result
Led by coach Vito Kolelishvili, Georgia scored four tries against one of the most respected teams in world age-grade rugby.
Before this match, Georgia had faced New Zealand four times at U20 level and lost each meeting. This time, the hosts showed resilience, recovering from an early setback and holding firm during a late New Zealand response.
New Zealand Start Strong
The Junior All Blacks, who played without numbers on their jerseys, controlled much of the early action.
Georgia made several mistakes in the opening minutes and conceded two penalties. New Zealand took advantage from a five-metre lineout, executing a sharp attacking move to score the first converted try of the match.
Mikheil Shioshvili Brings Georgia Level
Georgia answered quickly through Mikheil Shioshvili in the 11th minute.
After winning a penalty near the New Zealand line, Georgia took a quick tap from five metres out. Shioshvili, the powerful Toulon No.8, charged through two defenders and scored under the posts.
Temur Dzodzuashvili converted the try to bring the score level at 7-7.
Both teams created chances before halftime, but handling errors at key moments prevented either side from taking the lead before the break.
New Zealand Retake the Lead After Halftime
Early in the second half, New Zealand moved back in front.
A Georgian mistake in midfield allowed the visitors to kick the ball ahead. A New Zealand player then broke away on the counterattack, beating two defenders and scoring another converted try to make it 14-7.
Luka Tabatadze Finishes Brilliant Georgia Move
Georgia responded with creativity and determination.
In the 62nd minute, Shioshvili attacked from close range and drew in a defender before passing to Dachi Tsiklauri. Tsiklauri then produced a brilliant between-the-legs pass to release winger Luka Tabatadze, who crossed in the corner.
The conversion was missed, leaving Georgia behind 14-12.
Junior All Blacks Extend Lead Before Late Fightback
New Zealand struck again in the 67th minute after sustained pressure, scoring their third try and restoring a seven-point advantage.
Georgia refused to back down. In the 71st minute, captain Luka Narcia picked from a ruck near the line and powered over for a try, cutting the deficit to two points after another missed conversion.
Irakli Kolbaia Scores Match-Winning Try
With Georgia heavily penalised during the match and time running out, the hosts won a crucial penalty in the 77th minute.
In the final minute, Georgia built pressure through a strong rolling maul. From the base of the ruck, Irakli Kolbaia spotted space in a disorganized New Zealand defence and darted through to score the decisive try.
That late score sealed a memorable 22-19 win and gave Georgia one of the greatest victories in its U20 rugby history.
Georgia’s Junior Lelos delivered a landmark performance by beating the New Zealand Junior All Blacks for the first time at U20 level. With four tries, late-match courage and a dramatic final-minute finish from Irakli Kolbaia, the 22-19 win gives Georgia major momentum heading into the 2026 World Rugby U20 Championship.