New Zealand today won the International Rugby Board's junior world championship, pulling off a crushing 38-3 win over England in Swansea, Wales.
New Zealand were never seriously threatened in the final of the inaugural under-20 tournament, scoring four tries to none.
Despite England dominating possession for the first 15 minutes, New Zealand scored first with a penalty goal from fullback Trent Renata in the fifth minute of the game .
They extended that advantage in the 17th minute when winger Kade Poki edged past a disjointed English defence to score the first try, which Nasi Manu converted to give New Zealand a 10-0 lead.
England responded with a penalty in the 25th minute, but that was to be their lot.
New Zealand landed another penalty before the break to give them a 13-3 lead at halftime before Renata kicked another two shortly after the resumption to extend their advantage to 16 points.
The result was put beyond doubt in the 56th minute when centre Jackson Willison scored a try for New Zealand after getting the ball over the line following a goal line scramble.
England were given a chance in the 65th minute when New Zealand were left a player down after replacement Aaron Smith was sinbinned for killing the ball.
However, the English failed to score with their opposition one man down, and things then went from bad to worse for them.
England lost a man of their own when flanker Calum Clark was sent off for a head butt anjd New Zealand made them pay as Andre Taylor, who scored three tries against Ireland earlier in the tournament, scored a try in the 75th minute.
They were not done yet either as Ryan Crotty broke clear in the final minute, pushing off three English defenders to score his team's fourth try.
New Zealand captain Chris Smith said there had been a lot of pressure on his team entering the final.
"A lot of preparation went into this, and I'm just so proud, I couldn't be happier," Smith said.
First five-eighth Daniel Kirkpatrick, who was named player of the tournament, said he was pleased with the result.
"The boys played good out there. It wasn't the best rugby, it wasn't very flowing, but to come away with the result ... that's awesome."
SCORING
New Zealand 38 (Trent Renata, Jackson Willison, Andre Taylor, Ryan Crotty tries; Renata 3 pen, 2 con, Daniel Kirkpatrick pen, Kirkpatrick con)
England 3 (Alex Goode pen).
Halftime: 13-3.
- NZPA
