New Zealand have secured a tense 27-26 pool victory over France at the U20 Rugby World Cup, with first-five Rico Simpson landing a disputed penalty in the final seconds for the win.
With time running out, the Kiwis seemed to have blown any chance of a late comeback, when they were penalised at a ruck in front of the French posts and prop Joshua Smith was yellow-carded for head contact.
France cleared towards halfway, but were penalised at a maul. Simpson kicked to the corner and New Zealand won another penalty at the lineout.
With time up on the clock, Simpson's penalty started right of the posts, but drifted close to the upright and was initially waved away by an assistant referee. Lead official Adam Jones called for a review that confirmed the ball passed between the posts, as the Kiwis celebrated.
France dominated much of the contest, leading 11-0 at halftime and 18-7 10 minutes into the second half, before New Zealand began their revival, with three unanswered tries to wing Stanley Solomon, halfback Dylan Pledger and replacement hooker Manumaua Letiu.
The French edged back ahead with a try to winger Mathis Ferte with six minutes remaining, but crucially, Hugo Reus' conversion missed, leaving the door ajar for Simpson's late heroics.
"That last kick... what a thriller," declared captain Vernon Bason. "It goes to show it really took the full 80 to get back into the game - it's a true testament to our boys.
"We had to earn the right to go through France. They did a very, very good job to keep us out in critical moments of the game, but it all comes down to the effort and intent of the boys."
The result leaves New Zealand atop Pool A and safely into the tournament semi-finals, regardless of their result against winless Spain. The three pool winners will advance, along with the best second-placed team.
New Zealand cannot be overhauled by any of the second-placed teams.
New Zealand 27 (Pledger, Letiu, Solomon, Tuivailala tries; Simpson 2 conversions & penalty) France 26 (Ferte, Mouseques, Karaba tries; Reus conversion & 3 penalties)
