Junior All Blacks beat Ireland, to face France in semi

New Zealand are safely through to the World Rugby Under 20 Championship semifinals after decisively, if not fluently, defeating Ireland 25-3 in Viadana.

As the second qualifiers, and Pool C winners, they will now face France on Tuesday (NZT) after they upset defending champions England 30-18 on the final day of pool play.

South Africa thrashed Australia 46-13 to top the qualifiers, and will play England in the other semi, a replay of the 2014 final at Eden Park.

New Zealand led 11-3 at the break against the tenacious Irish, who played to their driving strengths and tackled like demons. Scott Robertson's charges, however, were again loose with the ball in contact and too often pushed the pass. Their skills were tested and came up short on several occasions. They did, though, present the dominant scrum, and the Irish No 3 Liam O'Connor once found himself popped out of the scrum in spectacular style on Isi Tu'ungafasi's side. No 8 Akira Ioane was used to punch holes again down the right flank but nothing came of his forays.

The brightest moment came via a Tevita Li try in the corner off a long Otere Black pass. Li was dangerous all game, but the movement started with a charge by No 7 Blake Gibson off the scrum. He fed halfback Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi who came up just short of the line, before Black's long, long ball to Li.

New Zealand sealed the game in a five minute burst of scoring soon after the halftime break. Black slotted a penalty goal, and then Li crossed between the uprights for his second score, hitting a third phase ball at pace close to the ruck.

When Gibson burrowed over from close range to make it 25-3, New Zealand had effectively crushed the Irish resistance, though the game lost some shape as the benches were emptied.

Ireland No 6 Josh Murphy was muscular in the forward exchanges, while Gibson was tireless for New Zealand.

New Zealand skipper Atu Moli said the win was far from comfortable, especially in the first half, but he was already looking forward to facing New Zealand rugby's old playoffs nemesis France.

"It's going to be a good challenge against France. We hear they've got a good scrum, so we need to prepare well for that," said Moli.

New Zealand 25 (Tevita Li 2, Blake Gibson tries; Otere Black 2 con, 2 pen) Ireland 3 (Joey Carbery pen) Halftime: 11-3 New Zealand