27 Jun 2011

New Zealand wins junior rugby world championships

11:00 am on 27 June 2011

The New Zealand under-20 rugby team has claimed a fourth consecutive Junior World Championships title with a 33-22 victory over England in Italy.

Both sides scored three tries, but the flawless kicking of first five Gareth Anscombe proved the difference for the Baby Blacks with the Number 10 landing all seven of his attempts at goal.

England took the early lead through a try to left winger Christian Wade before the Baby Blacks struck back through winger Charles Piutau.

The New Zealanders and took a 20-10 halftime lead after prop Ben Tameifuna crashed over just before the break.

England came out firing in the second spell, battering the New Zealand line. The consistent pressure resulted in two quick tries which pegged the Baby Blacks' lead back to just one point midway through the second stanza.

However the Baby Blacks rallied to score their third try to fullback Beauden Barrett, putting the game beyond England's reach in the match which took place early Monday morning (NZT).

Captain Luke Whitelock was delighted to have kept New Zealand's proud record at the tournament well and truly intact.

"We struggled at times but we made the opportunities and we scored from them." He said it was awesome to keep the winning streak going.

Coach Mark Anscombe concedes he was nervous right up until the final whistle. He said the team didn't start off very well, though he was pleased with the last 20 minutes of the first half.

"But that second half, we forgot to play rugby," he said. "We made some poor decisions ... but showed a lot of character and heart and the will power to keep the defence out."