Junior All Blacks into U20s World Cup final after gritty win over France
In an open game in Viadana, New Zealand raced out to a 14-0 lead but were reeled back twice in the first half as France made them pay for 28 missed tackles to only trail by five at the break after Fabien Brau-Boirie's late slice through the defence.
The second half was a much tighter affair, New Zealand's defence keeping France at bay for the first 20 minutes before two yellow cards in quick succession for centre Jack Wiseman and wing Frank Vaenuku looked to open the door for Les Bleuets.
However, New Zealand did not concede a point while they were two men down and ultimately ran out the winners to reach a first final since they won the championship for a sixth time in 2017.
Stanley Solomon, Mosese Bason and Wiseman were first-half try scorers, with replacement lock Aisake Vakasiuola scoring a crucial try near the end.
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First-five Rico Simpson kicked four conversions and two penalties.
It was a mature and gritty performance from a side whose head coach Milton Haig resigned on the eve of the tournament.
"We talked about this game being our final," halfback and vice-captain Dylan Pledger said. "I think the boys played it like a final out there and now we've got one more game to go."
South Africa, beaten by New Zealand in the U20s Rugby Championship this year, were 48-24 victors over Argentina in the other semifinal this morning.
The junior Boks last won a world championship in 2012.
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