New Zealand Universities campaign recap

By Adam Julian

In their only campaign of matches in 2026, the New Zealand Universities rugby team won two games against the Japan Under-20s in Hamilton.

On Tuesday New Zealand routed the visitors 74-12 at Waikato University. It was closer on Saturday. In a curtain raiser to the Chiefs versus Blues Super Rugby Pacific match at FMG Stadium, New Zealand rallied from a 31-26 deficit early in the second half to win 57-26.

New Zealand coach Scott Lewis is a stalwart of Massey University. He played lock during Varsity's golden run of finals appearances between 2009 and 2013, during which they won two titles. In 2017, he turned to coaching and has won two more Hankins Shields, having also lost three “heartbreaking” finals. Lewis was delighted his New Zealand chargers picked up two wins.

“The ability of our boys to play what's in front of them and adapt to the unexpected was very good,” Lewis said.

“We had a high turnover from last year's team and picked a younger side focused on speed and the future. The first match was one-sided. We blitzed them early and, given they're an Under-20 side, we had a size advantage they struggled to handle. In the second game they improved a lot. They had strong mauls from lineouts, fast and precise ball handling, and their No.8 was an exceptional player.

“When we were down 31-26, we played more direct, hit hard close to the rucks, and found some gaps. We needed impact from our bench, which we got.”

New Zealand made an impact right away on Tuesday with a resounding 12 tries to two, 74-12 win. It was 36-7 at halftime. 

Fullback Noah Rogers and Hunter Kennedy were in sparkling touch, each scoring two tries. Rogers was the first New Zealand Secondary Schools player from Lindisfarne College since Rugby World Cup-winning fullback Israel Dagg in 2006. He has signed with the Chiefs. Kennedy from Super 8-winning Palmerston North Boys’ High School has scored five tries in seven matches for Old Boys University in the Swindale Shield. His second try, where he beat six defenders and raced 50 meters, was a contender for best of the series. 

Another Palmerston North prospect, Nehemiah Su’a, crashed over for two tries while Old Boys University Jubilee Cup winners Tiaki Fabish and Harry Irving were impressive in the loose. Oscar Koller, who played for North Harbour, scored 19 points. Hooker Sota Miura scored both of Japan’s tries.

With their powerful mauling and enterprising back play, Japan was worth their lead in the second game in Hamilton. No.8. Akihiro Tsubone also proved a handful. While winger Shinnosuke Uchida and first five-eighth Takeru Niwa combined on all three of their tries.

However, New Zealand was never out of touch, with 2025 Hurricanes Under-20 flanker Reuben Nelley and lock Mitchell Tinnock from Otago leading the way. Halfback Brian Lealiifano from Sacred Heart College in Auckland thrives in close-quarter exchanges. His presence, plus more direct forward thrusts, charged the game, with Japan eventually wilting.

“Good footy, friendship, and creating memories were what this campaign was about. I wish Japan well for the World Championships next month. They’ll benefit from this hitout against older players, and we hope to tour Japan next year, when their rugby is really growing,” Lewis said.

Hunter “Piopio Express” Kennedy provided a player's perspective. “I was excited and humbled to wear a black jersey. I knew a couple of boys on the team beforehand and made more friends throughout the series.  I was stoked to get a couple of tries in the first game. I didn’t know a lot about Japan. They were really fast and competitive. It took us a while to put them away in the second match.”

The New Zealand Universities were founded in 1908 and have won 243 of 327 matches. Their most notable successes were beating the 1956 Springboks (22-15) and the 1977 British & Irish Lions (21-9). Many legendary All Blacks, such as Ron Jarden and 1987 Rugby World Cup-winning captain David Kirk, have represented the New Zealand Universities.

Scoring

New Zealand Universities: 74 (Oscar Koller, Hunter Kennedy 2, Noah Rogers 2, Harry Irving, Tiaki Fabish, Reuben Nelley, Nehemiah Su’a 2, Jonty Riley, Mitch Tinnock tries; Koller 7 cons) Japan Under-20: 12 (Sota Miura 2 tries, Takeru Niwa con) HT: 36-7, Referee: Maggie Cogger-Orr

New Zealand Universities: 57 (Reuben Nelley 2, Rico Muliaina, Tyler Beary, Dylan Hall, Aaron Christensen, Brian Lealiifano, Hunter Kennedy, Charlie Wallis; Muliaina 4, Oscar Koller 2 cons) Japan Under-20s: 26 (Shinnosuke Uchida 2, Sota Miura, Takeru Niwa tries; Niwa 3 cons) HT: 19-19,

Referee: Maggie Cogger-Orr