Triumph for Under-19s in World Championship

8.00am

New Zealand has produced another wave of exciting junior rugby talent, judging by their comprehensive 34-11 win over France in the under-19 world championship final at Durban this morning (NZ time).

Coach Aussie McLean was bursting with praise for his team, who were tested only once throughout the three-week tournament, in the 30-23 semifinal win over South Africa last week.

"They're elated and they've got every right to be," McLean told NZPA.

"They're a very tight group, they've got very close over the last month. They're all pleased with each other and the guys who didn't play are as happy as the guys who did."

The New Zealanders were a class above the French, dominating possession for long periods and leading 14-3 at halftime on the way to a four tries-to-one victory.

It was New Zealand's fourth success in the tournament, having won in 1999, 2001 and 2002. They lost last year's final to South Africa.

Southland prop and captain Jamie MacKintosh was at the forefront of a powerful New Zealand tight-five performance in perfect conditions at ABSA Stadium, not allowing the French scrum any latitude. New Zealand's aggressive defence was another prominent feature.

The French became increasingly-frustrated as the match wore on, occasionally showing the flair that had got them to the final but otherwise having to defend waves of New Zealand attacks, with first five-eighth William Ripia varying his play cleverly.

"The boys played very well, we moved the ball around a fair bit but they also played with a lot of control and patience," McLean said.

"France are very good, they're well organised defensively so we had to work hard for our tries."

McLean and his players only had two weeks together before the tournament so he knew they would take time to gel properly. He believed that finally happened in the final 40 minutes this morning.

"Our expectations were to improve throughout the tournament rather than just go in there and play at the same level right from the start," he said.

"That's what happened, they made little improvements throughout and by the second half today we were playing some pretty good footy."

France struck first via a penalty but the "Baby All Blacks" struck back through a try to hooker Lance Po-Ching. The conversion by fullback Miah Nikora was the first of his 14 points with the boot.

He converted a crucial try to lock Michael Paterson soon before halftime to give them an 11-point margin at the break.

MacKintosh was sinbinned under questionable circumstances for a professional foul in the 51st minute. France capitalised with their only try minutes later, to second five-eighth Maxime Medard.

But MacKintosh's return saw New Zealand re-establish control, with their other tries going to two impressive forwards, lock Jeremy Thrush and flanker Kieran Read.

New Zealand's pool matches resulted in wins over Ireland (30-6), Georgia (81-12) and Australia (30-5) before beating South Africa in the semifinal.

McLean noted New Zealand's celebrations would have to be cut short tonight as they face an early departure for home tomorrow.

Earlier today hosts South Africa came back from 17-31 down to beat England 38-31 in the third-place playoff. The Baby Boks' victory was reportedly soured by accusations of biting levelled against them by the English.

New Zealand: Tries - Lance Po-Ching, Michael Paterson, Kieran Read, Jeremy Thrush. Conversions - Miah Nikora (4). Penalties - Nikora (2)

France: Try - Maxime Medard. Penalties - Mathieu Bourret (2)

- Newstalk ZB