18 Jun 2009

Baby Blacks into U20 final

12:09 pm on 18 June 2009

The defending champions New Zealand have beaten Australia 31-17 in Japan and will play England in the final of the International Rugby Board's Junior World Championship.

New Zealand was expected to struggle against Australia who'd dominated their group but scored four tries to two.

Winger Zac Guildford was the only player back from the Under 20s who beat England 38-3 in Wales last year in the first championship.

He scored two tries and fullback Robbie Robinson rounded off an impressive game with the fourth.

The Baby Blacks scored first only to concede their first try at the championship and Australia went ahead 14-7 just after half-time.

But New Zealand's captain Aaron Cruden charged down a clearing kick and Shaun Treeby dived on the loose ball to equalise.

Cruden converted and kicked a penalty before Robinson beat four defenders to ensure New Zealand's place in Sunday's final.