Junior All Blacks reach U-20 World Cup final
- Dave Worsley
- 2 days ago
- 2 min read
Updated: 1 day ago
The New Zealand Under-20 All Blacks are through to the final of the men's Under-20 Rugby World Championships in Italy after a tense 34-26 semifinal win over France in Viadana.
New Zealand were ahead 24-19 at half time after tries to Stanley Solomon on a 40 metre run, Mosese Bason and Jack Wiseman.
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However, they had to spend much of the second half on defence and were not helped by yellow cards leaving them vulnerable to defeat to the same side they lost to in 2024 at the same stage of the tournament.
Both centre Wiseman and wing Frank Vaenuku spent time on the sidelinesas the side went down to 13 players and France capitalised with their fourth try of the game. The score 27-26 to New Zealand.
However, the Junior All Blacks responded after a strong surge by the forwards with lock Aisake Vakasiuola touching down next to the post.
They were then able to hold on to the final whistle despite waves of French attack and their dominant lineout.
First five Rico Simpson kicked four conversions and two penalties and generally had a good allround game under pressure.
They will play South Africa, whom they beat 48-45 earlier this year, to capture the Rugby Championship. The Junior Springboks beat New Zealand 22-16 in the 2012 final, the 'Baby Blacks' only loss in a final.
New Zealand has won the Under-20 title six times, however the last occasions was in 2017
New Zealand Under 20: 34 (Stanley Solomon, Mosese Bason, Jake Wiseman, Aisake Vakasiuola tries; Rico Simpson 4 cons, 2 pens) France Under 20: 26 (Kalvin Gourgues, Baptiste Britz, Xan Mousques, Fabien Brau Boirie, Jon Echegaray tries; Luka Keletaona 2 cons, Bobby Bissu con) HT: 24-19.
