Billy Proctor of New Zealand U20 is tackled by during the game against South Africa U20. Photo /Getty
Billy Proctor of New Zealand U20 is tackled by during the game against South Africa U20. Photo /Getty
New Zealand have missed out on the semifinals at the Under-20 rugby championships for just the second time.
The Baby Blacks lost their final pool game to South Africa 25-17 in Argentina today which saw them finish second in the group.
Craig Philpott's side needed at least a bonus pointto claim at least the fourth seed but were denied when South Africa kicked a late penalty to secure an eight-point win.
New Zealand are six-time winners of the tournament had the only other time they failed to make the semifinals was in 2016. England, finalists last year, also missed out on the semifinals despite a big win over Australia in their final pool game.
New Zealand will play Wales in the fifth-place semifinals.
