Rugby: Run is gone, baby, gone

The Baby Blacks' iron grip on the Junior Rugby World Championship has been broken - the New Zealand under-20 side suffered a 22-16 defeat to South Africa in the final.

Desperate to win a fifth consecutive title, New Zealand's young side couldn't quite win the dominance across the field they needed. Trialling 10-9 at the break, the gap was never bridged and South Africa collected their first trophy in front of 35,000 people at Newlands in Cape Town.

While heartbroken by the loss, it was inevitable the Baby Blacks would one day have to relinquish their title. Since the tournament was introduced in 2008 - there had previously been under-19 and under-21 global tournaments that were merged into a compromise under-20 set-up - New Zealand have been untouchable.

Not only did they win the first four titles, they didn't drop a game along the way. A host of their players were also fast-tracked out of the junior side into the All Blacks - notably Aaron Cruden, Julian Savea, Beauden Barrett and Sam Cane.

And in a way, they became a victim of their own success.

Seeing how quickly and easily many young Kiwis have transitioned into the professional game on the back of their under-20 experience has led to several other nations ploughing more resource into their junior sides.

There was obvious evidence of that at this year's competition when Ireland beat South Africa in the pool rounds.

Argentina topped their group that included France and Australia and Wales beat New Zealand in their group clash - inflicting the first defeat on the defending champions in 21 games.

New Zealand's position was weakened further by not being allowed to select either TJ Perenara or Sam Cane who were both still eligible. Perenara was needed by the Hurricanes and Cane played openside for the All Blacks last night.

The tragedy for Perenara was that he was denied the chance to lead the under-20 side and then broke his ankle in a practice game in Brisbane last week.

Further complications have occurred and the 20-year-old is still in Brisbane after developing a blood clot post-surgery. He is expected home this week, but is unlikely to play rugby again this year.

Under-20 captain Bryn Hall said: "I am really proud of the way our boys gave it everything, we didn't give up," he said.

It was a view endorsed by New Zealand Rugby Union chief executive Steve Tew: "Five consecutive finals at the Junior World Championship is a wonderful achievement for New Zealand and we are proud of the boys.

"This has been a challenging campaign for them, and facing a strong South African side at home is never easy so we are feeling for Rob [coach Penney] and the team.

"We are proud of the record New Zealand holds at this tournament and the boys can hold their heads up for the gutsy performance they put in today."