But things are about to get a whole lot tougher.
New Zealand comfortably secured a place in the Junior World Championship semifinals with a 45-15 win over Italy in Georgia yesterday.
It was the under-20 team’s 10th consecutive win in the pool stages of the tournament, and followed their wins over Japan (38-21) and Scotland (36-26) this year.
The Baby Blacks will now play France in one semifinal on Tuesday. Defending champions South Africa play England in the other.
Southland and incoming Highlanders first five Mika Muliaina had started the first two games of the tournament but was scratched with injury yesterday.
It meant a place on the bench for fellow Southland playmaker Jimmy Taylor, who only joined the team at the weekend, while Cohen Norrie moved from fullback to first five.
The forwards were to the fore after the first half started with Italy scoring an intercept try.
The Baby Blacks recovered nicely to rattle off four tries, including a 50m breakaway from powerful centre David Lewai.
New Zealand led 26-10 at halftime and scored three tries in the space of 10 minutes in the second half to lock up victory.
Halfback and captain Charlie Sinton again provided plenty of nice touches, while Otago prop Ethan Webber anchored a solid scrum in the first half and No 8 Patrick Mauga looked strong.
Junior World Champs
The scores
New Zealand 45
Cohen Norrie 2, Bradley Tocker, David Lewai, Josh Findlay, Lautasi Etuale, Siale Pahulu tries; Logan Williams 3 con, Cohen Norrie 2 con
Italy 15
Giacomo Falchetto, Enoch Opoku-Gyamfi, David Luisato tries
Halftime: 26-10
