New Zealand beat England in IRB World U20 Championship final
Sunday 18 June 2017 18:53, UK
New Zealand reclaimed the World U20 title on Sunday with a crushing 64-17 victory over England in Tbilisi.
Hooker Asafo Aumua ran in a hat-trick of tries while flanker Dalton Papali'i, prop Pouri Rakete-Stones, lock Isaia Walker-Leawere, flanker Luke Jacobson (2) and replacements Josh McKay and Tom Christie also crossed in the comprehensive victory.
The Baby Blacks led 40-7 at the break, and it was New Zealand that made a blistering start, Papali'i diving over for a controversial score with Rakete-Stones adding to the tally a few minutes later.
England looked to launch a comeback when flanker Ben Earl scythed through the New Zealand midfield off a deft Max Malins pass to run over unopposed.
However, it was one-way traffic for the rest of the opening half as Aumua powered over for two of his side's six scores before the break.
After the break, New Zealand's class continued to show when McKay scored his side's seventh try before they were reduced to 14 men with Ezekiel Lindenmuth sent to the bin.
England's second try of the final came courtesy of replacement Alex Mitchell's sniping from a quick tap and go but the damage had already been done.
Aumua completed his hat trick as New Zealand hit the 50 point mark, Christie barging over for a ninth try before England replacement James Grayson produced a moment of magic to send Josh Bayliss over in the corner for a consolation effort.
The game ended in similar fashion to how it started with New Zealand having the final say, Jacobson powering through to end England's hopes of retaining their title.
