10 Jun 2009

NZ win again at IRB Under 20 World Championship

12:02 pm on 10 June 2009

The defending champions New Zealand have beaten Ireland 17-0 and have one foot in the semi finals at rugby's Under 20 World Championship in Japan after their second win.

The New Zealand captain Aaron Cruden admits the Irish gave them a real physical battle.

New Zealand's opponents in Saturday's final round of pool play, Argentina, gained a second bonus point of with a 33-15 win over Uruguay and are second on six points, three behind New Zealand.

England's match against Samoa will decide Pool B after both recorded their second successive wins with England defeating Scotland 30-7 before Samoa beat Japan 29-20.

South Africa's 65-3 win over Italy has them top of Pool C and they'll face France in the decider after the French beat Fiji 48-5 for their second-bonus-point win.

Australia and Wales will decide Pool D after Australia beat Tonga 40-6 and Wales thrashed Canada 51-15.