New Zealand and Australia will clash for Junior Championship
New Zealand’s rugby team will go face-to-face with Australia for the International Rugby Board Junior World Championship crown as the Tasman rivals meet on Monday, June 21 to decide the title winner. Both the sides reached the finals after defeating their rivals South Africa and England respectively. Defending champion New Zealand completed their unbeaten league in the Under 20’s competition to 14 games with a complete 36-7 beating of the Baby Books at the Estadio El Coloso del Parque in Rosario. Earlier in the day, the Australian’s defeated England 28-16 to book their first appearance in the final.
Australia’s place in the final game was only confirmed due to a great solo try from Kimami Sitauti. Australia came into the tournament youngest squad in the tournament was already leading when the rookie scored back-to-back goals for his team. For England, the replacement for Jonny May did not help either.
Australia had not been as scientific as in their beguiling Pool C decider with South Africa four days ago and the problems which they faced in the line-out will be a concern for them. Nevertheless, the game ended England’s hope for a third consecutive final. Australia started the match positively but was not able to score in the opening minutes even though a try was made by Robbie Coleman. The Sevens-star ran through the defence only to be tripped as he stepped off his left foot with a scoring line only metres away - an easy chance unfortunately missed by the rookie. Australia got into the lead after Matt Toomua kicked a penalty in the fourth minute. Five minutes later, England hit back when Sam Smith got outside his sign on the overlap to give his side a 5-3 lead. Australia's enthusiasm to throw the ball around was apparent and Coleman during the 16th minute was at the heart of a flowing move once again. He involved two defenders with him before ridding to Aidan Toua to score his fourth try of the tournament.
Tom Homer soon cut out the deficit to 10-8 after he scored for England with a penalty within seconds Toomua unusually pulled his kick just inches wide of the standing. Toomua along with Luke Morahan in the 34th minute made Australia's second try. The fullback broke perfectly through the England defence; taking the pass from his fellow Wallaby and stretching his run over the line for a touchdown. Australia wasted their chance to increase their lead to 20-8 at half-time when Nicholas White thought he could get over the line only to be dragged down. Fortunately for him, they were awarded another penalty and Toomua made no mistake. Homer reduced the deficit to 20-11 just before the whistle. With 10 minutes left in the game, Toomua scored with a penalty, leaving England with two converted tries to take the lead, which they were unable to cross. The English afterwards surrendered to the onslaught of the kangaroos.
In the second semi-final, New Zealand defeated South Africa comfortably 36-7. This was the 14th consecutive win for New Zealand in the Junior World Championship and the win was never in doubt. At the end of the first half, Baby Blacks were leading with 22-0. Patrick Lambie, who was the leading point scorer for South Africa in the 2010 tournament with 61 points, missed an early penalty attempt. New Zealand captain Tyler Bleyendaal missed the exchange from the touchline, but having seen Elton Jantjies pull a drop goal effort well off the target, the player made no mistake this time round and made the score 8-0 after 20 minutes. Lambie again missed a penalty and New Zealand made the Baby Books pay when Blade Thomson ran in for a second try in the match. South Africa struggled to handle the Baby Blacks from the start, but they also felt guilty of losing the chance to score. However, they finally scored with a try from Du Preez who is the smallest player in the 2010 tournament.
Tyler Bleyendaal kept the scoreboard for New Zealand ticking over with four penalties, before Savea scored his eighth try of the tournament with just 10 minutes left in the match. In the end, New Zealand demolished the South African side in the field and held an easy victory. New Zealand will play the Wallabies on Monday for the title and are hoping to retain their title this year.
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