Rugby: New Zealand under-20 fall to France in World Championship semi-final

The French team celebrate their stunning victory.
The French team celebrate their stunning victory. Photo credit: Getty

The New Zealand under-20 side have been humbled in their World Championship semi-final against host nation France.

The 16-7 final score flattered the 'Baby Blacks' who were out-muscled by the physical French for the first 70-minutes.

The six-time champions struggled to make an impact in the first-half, barely crossing the halfway line as the French dominated set-piece and the breakdown.

France will play England in Monday's final while the 'Baby Blacks' will play South Africa in the bronze medal match.

New Zealand was mauled at scrum-time, while standout French number-eight Jordan Joseph proved a handful for the New Zealand defence.

The 'Baby Blacks' defence held up brilliantly throughout, conceding just the one second-half try to Romain Ntamack, French great Emile Ntamack's son.

Rugby: New Zealand under-20 fall to France in World Championship semi-final
Photo credit: Getty

France held a 3-0 halftime lead which the extended to 16-0 with 15-minutes to play as flyhalf Louis Carbonel produce a fine performance with the boot, scoring 11-points.

New Zealand finally mounted their belated comeback in the final quarter with first-five Harry Plummer crossing in the corner before converting his own try to give the Kiwis some hope.

However a golden opportunity was blown a minute later as centre Billy Proctor dropped the ball five metres out with the tryline open.

"I'm immensely gutted at the result," said New Zealand captain Tom Christie.

"But I'm very far from disappointed with lads. My lads played with a lot of heart and a lot of pride

"I think we were unlucky sometimes and yes some of our mistakes were at times our errors but I can't fault my boys. They are an amazing outfit and when you make mistakes they will punish you."

Newshub.