Baby All Blacks thrash Ireland, reach semis
- Dave Worsley
- 3 days ago
- 1 min read
New Zealand has qualified for the semifinals of the Under-20 Rugby World Championship in Italy after another big victory.
The kiwi side scored a 69-22 win over Ireland in Calvisano to finish unbeaten at the top of their pool, but it didn't start as expected.
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Ireland crossed the first two tries of the match, however after that as the Junior All Blacks ran away with the game.
The New Zealand Under-20's got on a roll with five first-half tries to lead 31-15 at the break and then added another six in the second half.
Otago halfback Dylan Pledger scored two first-half tries, while Tasman wing Maloni Kunawave and Southland hooker Shaun Kempton grabbed two each after the break.
Hawke's Bay first five Will Cole was successful with six conversions.
New Zealand beat Italy 14-5 in their first pool game and Georgia 38-19 in their second.
The Junior All Blacks semifinals opponents will be France, while South Africa and Argentina face off in the other game..
New Zealand Under 20: 69 (Mosese Bason, Xavier Tracey, Cooper Roberts, Will Cole, Dylan Pledger 2. Frank Vaenuku, Shaun Kempston 2, Maloni Kunawave 2 tries; Will Cole 6 cons, Rico Simpson con) Ireland Under 20: 22 (Oisin Minogue, Daniel Green, Billy Bohan tries; Tom Wood con, pen) HT: 31-15.
