Under 21s out of World Cup

New Zealand has suffered another heartbreaking loss to South Africa at rugby age group level.

The under 21s have been beaten 16-12 by South Africa in the semifinals of the World Cup in Argentina.

The under 19s lost their final to South Africa earlier this year.

Coach Bryce Woodward is lamenting one that got away and is crying foul over a couple of crucial refereeing decisions, saying that the officials certainly got a few calls wrong.

He says they were penalised for punching with about 15 minutes to go when it was their player who threw the punch.

The New Zealanders threw everything at the South Africans in the second half, and were pushing hard when Andy Ellis was caught short of the line late in the game.

The South Africans led 10-nil at half-time.

New Zealand will now play off for third and fourth.

- NEWSTALK ZB