Under-19s beat Australia to make World Cup final

New Zealand beat Australia 35-18 today to qualify for the final of the under-19 rugby World Cup in Santiago, Chile.

The result was sweet revenge for New Zealand following last year's semifinal defeat to Australia in the same competition.

They now play defending champions France in the final on Monday morning.

New Zealand outscored Australia four tries to two, and led 27-6 at halftime, but the scoreboard failed to accurately reflect the closeness of the match.

Australia dominated for large periods, especially in the second half, but they struggled to breach a New Zealand defensive line which scrambled magnificently time and again.

"They (Australia) are a good side so this was a big performance," New Zealand assistant coach Aussie McLean said.

"Our defence put a lot of pressure on them, which was just as well because we didn't get that much ball to play with."

New Zealand opened the scoring in the fifth minute with a penalty goal by first five-eighth Luke McAllister, but Australia responded with penalty goals by fullback Mark Gerrard in the 10th and 15th minutes.

New Zealand's opening try to powerful No 8 Thomas Waldrom after they launched a concerted attack through a number of phases off an Australian turnover.

Two minutes later, Waldrom showed plenty of speed to reach the tryline after McAllister had regathered a blocked Australian clearing kick and linked with centre Casey Laulala.

New Zealand's advantage was extended when McAllister landed a penalty before more excellent defence created a mistake from Australia which led to their third try by winger William Lafaele.

Australia scored their first try while Lafaele was in the sinbin but New Zealand's confrontational tackling continued to hustle their opponents into error.

It was from one of these that New Zealand struck to score their fourth try when second five-eighth Bryan Milne crossed following a quick counter-attack.

Australian hooker Nick Churven managed a late consolation try but his side were never going to bridge the gap against such an unrelenting defence.

"When a side is forced to defend as much as we had to, it can be hard to get out of a defensive frame of mind," McLean said.

"That's one of the most pleasing aspects of this win. The boys toughed it out on defence, but we were also able to sting them on attack when we got the chance.

"The guys were prepared to keep attacking and that's what they'll have to do again if we are to win the final."

The almost unbreakable midfield tackling of Laulala and Milne spearheaded New Zealand's effort, but there were other top performances from McAllister, Waldrom, flanker Tom Harding and hooker Ti'i Tompkinson.

Lock Kane Thompson also shone. His work rate around the field was exceptional while he also caused major problems on Australian throws whenever he contested in the lineout.

"France will be tough but, after the way we played today, we can at least approach that challenge with confidence," New Zealand coach Dennis Brown said.

New Zealand 35 (Thomas Waldrom 2, Willie Lafaele, Bryan Milne tries; Luke McAllister 2 pen, 3 con, Murray Williams pen)

Australia 18 (Peter Hynes, Nick Churven tries; Mark Gerrard 2 pen, con).

Halftime: 27-6.

- NZPA