CREMONA – New Zealand showed superb second-half composure under pressure to unseat defending champions England 21-16 in the world under-20 rugby championship final in Cremona, Italy.
It’s the first time the Baby Blacks have won the title since 2011, with the past three titles shared between England and South Africa.
The two teams traded tries in the first half, centre Max Clark putting England ahead early before replacement centre Vincent Tevae-Aso scored with his first touch after replacing TJ Faiane.
An Otere Black penalty five minutes before the break gave New Zealand an 11-10 lead at halftime, which Akira Ioane extended shortly after the restart with his fifth try of the tournament.
The big No.8 was yellow-carded soon after for a late tackle on England five-eighth Rory Jennings, but the Kiwis restricted the damage to just two penalties while they were down to 14 men.
Black and Jennings swapped penalties in a tryless second half, with the New Zealand defence particularly tested in the closing 10 minutes.
South Africa beat France 31-18 in the earlier play-off for third place.
