New Zealand's dominance of the under-20 Rugby World Championships has ended after the Baby Blacks were beaten 22-16 by South Africa in the Cape Town final.
A try from Milford Keresoma gave New Zealand a 10-9 lead at half-time, but South Africa's massive forward pack rallied after the break to help halfback Vian van der Watt and centre Jen Serfontein across the line.
The match was played in front of 35,000 spectators in a sold-out Newlands stadium where New Zealand fought to the finish to prevent the title slipping from their grasp.
It was the first time New Zealand has failed to win the tournament since its inception in 2008.
The Baby Blacks captain Bryn Hall says his team are hugely disappointed not to come away with the win.
Following the final Serfontein was named the IRB Junior Player of the Year.
