Monday, June 27, 2011
New Zealand beat England to retain the IRB Junior World Championship title
New Zealand's Under 20's won their fourth successive IRB Junior World Championship title on Sunday as they saw off a valiant England effort to win the game 33-22 in Padova, Italy.
The much favoured Baby Blacks continued their dominance in the junior ranks, having now not lost a match since the tournament's inception in 2008. They've now beaten England twice in finals, to add to their win over Australia last year.
England came out firing and at one stage looked as though they might have sprung an upset, but a try in the 74th minute by Beauden Barrett sealed the win for the New Zealand team, their 20th in succession.
England skipper Alex Gray was proud of the effort, but naturally disappointed. "We dug deep and fought back to within one point but they are a class act. They punish every mistake. I'm so proud of the boys yet so sad because it's my last game for the Under-20s and I so believed we could end their reign," he said.
Luke Whitelock, New Zealand's captain and a winner in last year's tournament, said that they were delighted with maintaining their 100% percent record. "This is awesome to keep the winning streak going, we have been working hard -bit is great to get the victory," he said.
The below highlights are almost twenty minutes long, so kick back and enjoy if you missed the game. If you're an England fan, are you proud of the boys or do you think that they could have kicked on and sprung the upset?
Time: 19:08
Posted at 12:30 pm | 44 comments
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Viewing 44 comments
Dave_7 June 27, 2011 12:47 pm
FIRST :D
Shame England don't seem to have a good system of bringing these youngsters into the Senior setup. Looking good for the future if these guys get a chance..
Shame England don't seem to have a good system of bringing these youngsters into the Senior setup. Looking good for the future if these guys get a chance..
I hate ppl who write June 27, 2011 12:54 pm
true enough Dave, have been the finalists in 3 out of 4 of the JWC's so far. I think the sheer size at this level is a big factor for them.
they put up a great fight for it though, played some great rugby and could have won it.
they put up a great fight for it though, played some great rugby and could have won it.
Anonymous June 27, 2011 12:54 pm
Around 13 minutes England NO TRY is clearly a try, point of the ball brushes the ground. Bad error.
I hate ppl who write June 27, 2011 12:58 pm
..well to make up for it Wades foot was clearly on the touchline when he was running in his first try...errors work both ways.
I'm a neutral myself, I don't think the referee had a negative effect on the game at all
I'm a neutral myself, I don't think the referee had a negative effect on the game at all
Anonymous June 27, 2011 1:01 pm
Although it's no real suprise that NZ won this I did genuninly think at times that England might have been able to pull it off.
Many of these guys look like they have the potential to become great players. Hopefully MJ will stop picking foreigners and give these guys a chance in the future
Many of these guys look like they have the potential to become great players. Hopefully MJ will stop picking foreigners and give these guys a chance in the future
Anonymous June 27, 2011 1:06 pm
Thought his toes were in and his foot was out but not touching the ground.... I'm a neutral too, as a Welshman probably biased towards NZ, especially with a Bridgend Boy playing in the centre for them. I just think a TMO making a wrong decision is far less forgivable than a touch judge missing what might be a foot brushing the touchline.
Anonymous June 27, 2011 1:16 pm
i recon the first try was off the pitch. you cant see clearly but i dont think the video ref would have awarded that try.
Anonymous June 27, 2011 1:16 pm
Both teams had a try that shouldn't have counted, Wade was probably out and that had to be a knock on at 16:46, also i'm sure it's illegal to push another player who's chasing the ball?
I hate ppl who write June 27, 2011 1:20 pm
I think the TMO probably judged that the ball was in the possesion of the NZ no.9 when it brushed the ground.
Was an excellent game though.
Was an excellent game though.
Anonymous June 27, 2011 1:35 pm
first try by England foot CLEARLY on the line, but who cares, NZ won anyway and our babybokke weren't up to standard. What do they feed these boys in NZ!
Anonymous June 27, 2011 1:43 pm
NZ aren't physically too much bigger than the other sides. The seperating factor is just their ball skills,spacial awareness, support play and sheer ability to attack from 1-15. In one try there the English halfback got completely gassed on the outside by a hooker!
We can beat them one day, there just needs to be more of a focus on setting up and supporting your own players in youth rugby.
We can beat them one day, there just needs to be more of a focus on setting up and supporting your own players in youth rugby.
Anonymous June 27, 2011 1:56 pm
they indeed punished the mistakes England made. Also, am I the only one who thought their haka was preposterous? IRB seriously need to look into the whole haka thing. Is it still tradition, or just an immense intimidating advantage?
grtz from Belgium
grtz from Belgium
Makehakaspecial June 27, 2011 2:18 pm
I'm with you, Belgium. No disrespect to the Maori, but the haka has become routine and overdone. Maybe the Ab's should only do it on certain occasions?
If I was the opposition coach, I'm not sure I'd let my guys get intimidated every time and start with a disadvantage.
Too many tests these days. It's just part of the game now, like lacing up boots and taping up. It's not as special as it used to be.
If I was the opposition coach, I'm not sure I'd let my guys get intimidated every time and start with a disadvantage.
Too many tests these days. It's just part of the game now, like lacing up boots and taping up. It's not as special as it used to be.
eatdeez June 27, 2011 2:26 pm
@Anon "Also, am I the only one who thought their haka was preposterous? IRB seriously need to look into the whole haka thing. Is it still tradition, or just an immense intimidating advantage?"
@Makehakaspecial "I'm with you, Belgium. No disrespect to the Maori, but the haka has become routine and overdone. Maybe the Ab's should only do it on certain occasions?
If I was the opposition coach, I'm not sure I'd let my guys get intimidated every time and start with a disadvantage."
Quit with the friggin haka whinging it's a tired point.
Does anyone else b*tch about the Samoan haka (Siva Tau)? or the Tongan Sipi Tau? or the Fijian Cibi? No. Why? Because they don't win consistently so no one gives a sh*t.
People that complain about the NZ haka are just looking for excuses to explain away their losses.
Ah bollocks.
@Makehakaspecial "I'm with you, Belgium. No disrespect to the Maori, but the haka has become routine and overdone. Maybe the Ab's should only do it on certain occasions?
If I was the opposition coach, I'm not sure I'd let my guys get intimidated every time and start with a disadvantage."
Quit with the friggin haka whinging it's a tired point.
Does anyone else b*tch about the Samoan haka (Siva Tau)? or the Tongan Sipi Tau? or the Fijian Cibi? No. Why? Because they don't win consistently so no one gives a sh*t.
People that complain about the NZ haka are just looking for excuses to explain away their losses.
Ah bollocks.
Anonymous June 27, 2011 2:42 pm
Complaining about the haka is weak. I really dont think it has any impact on the game and its good fun. Let them do it.
As for the JRWC I found it quite refreshing to see some decent english talent coming through. Particularly a mobile bunch of forwards making it easy for a backline with some flair.
Couple of decisions that perhaps should have gone the other way in the final, but that would have affected both sides. England played some great stuff but NZ were slightly better value for the win.
Bring on the proper world cup in September!
As for the JRWC I found it quite refreshing to see some decent english talent coming through. Particularly a mobile bunch of forwards making it easy for a backline with some flair.
Couple of decisions that perhaps should have gone the other way in the final, but that would have affected both sides. England played some great stuff but NZ were slightly better value for the win.
Bring on the proper world cup in September!
Anonymous June 27, 2011 3:11 pm
The first England try is no try.. Your mans foot hits the touchline first before he runs under the posts.. England fortunate to have try allowed.
Colombes June 27, 2011 3:35 pm
Nice match between young talents:
2 so-so decisions with the 1st english try "foot on the line" and another english refused-try which should have been allowed, but no incidences on the match.
For me the great disvoveries of the tournament are the three 10's of England, NZ and France. Great expetations for theses 3 lads
2 so-so decisions with the 1st english try "foot on the line" and another english refused-try which should have been allowed, but no incidences on the match.
For me the great disvoveries of the tournament are the three 10's of England, NZ and France. Great expetations for theses 3 lads
George June 27, 2011 3:57 pm
Looks a good game, can't say Wade's foot was clearly in touch for first try, it must be hard for the touch judge when someone's as quick as Wade and you only have a split second to make a close call
Roadpig June 27, 2011 5:04 pm
NZ supporter here. I had thought, from all of the previous matches, that NZ would take this at a canter, so was pleasantly surprised that England put up a strong showing. They were unlucky with a few of the penalties, and I also think, unluck with the "held up" call - it seemed to me that the England player was tackled before the ball by Anscombe.
It looks like the future of English and AB rugby is in good hands with these blokes - England have some promising loose forwards (and that pacy wing), and both teams having skillful flyhalfs. Anyway, well done to both teams, and NZ were fortunate to walk away with the win.
It looks like the future of English and AB rugby is in good hands with these blokes - England have some promising loose forwards (and that pacy wing), and both teams having skillful flyhalfs. Anyway, well done to both teams, and NZ were fortunate to walk away with the win.
talent scout June 27, 2011 6:12 pm
I think as far as impressive individuals go there were quite a few good showings, Anscombe (NZ 10) Piutau (NZ 11) Kane (NZ 7)Barrack(Fra 13) Ranson (Eng 15) Conway (Irl 11) Morgan (Wal 10) just to name a few, the french full back was very impressive in the pool game against Aus but I'm f++ked if I can remember his name
moddeur June 27, 2011 6:27 pm
Anscombe is going to get a few bumps on the road (from a few flankers) if he keeps on behaving like an arse on the field. We all saw -save the referee- him knock the ball out of the English scrum-half's hands (at the time, Anscombe was pinned on the ground, at the bottom of a ruck).
I recall a few other unpleasant aspects of his game. He's very talented, but he needs to clean his game to become a true figure of international rugby. The rest of the All-Blacks were all great!
I recall a few other unpleasant aspects of his game. He's very talented, but he needs to clean his game to become a true figure of international rugby. The rest of the All-Blacks were all great!
big_hitter June 27, 2011 6:36 pm
i'm very proud of the england boys but feel they could have done a bit better
rugbydoesntneedaraqu June 27, 2011 8:15 pm
Is no one else worried that no new countries seem to be coming through the system and challenging the old guard of teams?
The great thing about 7s rugby is so many unexpected successes are being achieved by the smaller rugby nations like Spain, Portugal, Kenya and others.
The 15 code seems to be really struggling to get some surprises from the smaller nations and I feel the IRB should do more in trying to promote the game in other countries! The Junior world cup would be a good place to start.
The great thing about 7s rugby is so many unexpected successes are being achieved by the smaller rugby nations like Spain, Portugal, Kenya and others.
The 15 code seems to be really struggling to get some surprises from the smaller nations and I feel the IRB should do more in trying to promote the game in other countries! The Junior world cup would be a good place to start.
Moo June 27, 2011 8:36 pm
Great examples from both sides of how we'd like the game played.
Yes, we can complain about tight decisions: foot in touch or not, ball grounded or not and (something I personally find terrible at all levels of the game) decisions or lack thereof at the scrum. BUT the game was fairly called and very even throughout.
I'd like to propose a big hand to all lads involved in the final. Can we get some of that coached in the seniors please!
Yes, we can complain about tight decisions: foot in touch or not, ball grounded or not and (something I personally find terrible at all levels of the game) decisions or lack thereof at the scrum. BUT the game was fairly called and very even throughout.
I'd like to propose a big hand to all lads involved in the final. Can we get some of that coached in the seniors please!
John F June 27, 2011 8:59 pm
Yes, England to transfer this dynamism to their senior team.
Are all those "Baby" Blacks really 20 or under?
Are all those "Baby" Blacks really 20 or under?
Anonymous June 27, 2011 10:19 pm
WOW... no stupid comments on this blog, have all the troys gone, did my wish finally come true....
Two great teams full of future stars. I am English, but I think like any true rugby fan you have to always admire the All Blacks (any age group). Lets hope in a few years we get to watch both these teams play this style at senior level
Two great teams full of future stars. I am English, but I think like any true rugby fan you have to always admire the All Blacks (any age group). Lets hope in a few years we get to watch both these teams play this style at senior level
gf June 27, 2011 10:28 pm
Awesome try saver by NZ 9, dive at where the balls going to be placed rather than on the man.. England 15 looked dodgey, a lot of time on the ball charge down and buggered up the last try that NZ scored. Against france could have done more in the first conceded try.. but he's done better than me so who am I to doubt him.. Very proud of that English performance but no doubt English media and public will warp and restrict their ability through pressure.. I would rather lose like that 50% of the time than win 9-3 60% of the time.. I would rather watch good rugby and lose than shit rugby and win..
gf June 27, 2011 10:33 pm
after reading Ben Ransom's (15) England profile, I take back most of what I said..
JG June 28, 2011 3:17 am
Great showing by the English boys, I am sure they will be bitterly disapointed, but they have now come the closest than anyone to beating the U20's side. Likewise, well done to the NZ team, I am sure that they preferred a very hard game as it will make the win even more special to them. I really enjoyed the whole tournament, will be a shame if Ireland decide to drop out of it for next year.
JG June 28, 2011 3:23 am
One other thing I forgot to mention. A couple of guys here thought the Haka should go. I disagree. The haka brings a very mystical element to Rugby, I can guarantee that there will be young boys in Italy that attended an AB game who had the hairs on their back stand up when watching the Haka. They will not only remember that experience for the rest of their lives, but many will be drawn into playing rugby because of it. Just my thoughts anyhow.
Anonymous June 28, 2011 5:51 am
Firstly, I am Italian.
I concede that, especially to the neutrals, the haka adds something to the proceedings, but not if you are on the receiving end of it. It gives an unfair psychological advantage to the team performing it (regardless who they are) and sunday's final was a case in point, since the baby blacks overdid it, while the Poms had another minute of nervy waiting looking at their opposition trying to mock and intimidate them.
Great match. I would have never thought to say this before the match, but England outplayed NZ and deserved to win. Pretty unlucky with some of the refereeing - especially at the scrummage, where they were clearly superior - , and with a few penalties, i.e. the early tackle on Ford which should have been penalized, and, in fact, resulted in another penalty which Anscombe duly slotted in.
For those who complain about a few crucial mistakes, please give these guys a break. They are KIDS, for goodness sake. They are supposed to make mistakes at this stage, and emerge stronger players because of it.
Maurizio
I concede that, especially to the neutrals, the haka adds something to the proceedings, but not if you are on the receiving end of it. It gives an unfair psychological advantage to the team performing it (regardless who they are) and sunday's final was a case in point, since the baby blacks overdid it, while the Poms had another minute of nervy waiting looking at their opposition trying to mock and intimidate them.
Great match. I would have never thought to say this before the match, but England outplayed NZ and deserved to win. Pretty unlucky with some of the refereeing - especially at the scrummage, where they were clearly superior - , and with a few penalties, i.e. the early tackle on Ford which should have been penalized, and, in fact, resulted in another penalty which Anscombe duly slotted in.
For those who complain about a few crucial mistakes, please give these guys a break. They are KIDS, for goodness sake. They are supposed to make mistakes at this stage, and emerge stronger players because of it.
Maurizio
Anonymous June 28, 2011 6:04 am
PLEASE don't turn this into a arguement about the Haka.
It's a 20 minute video of some of the best u20 players in the world
It's a 20 minute video of some of the best u20 players in the world
Anonymous June 28, 2011 8:28 am
great showing from both teams.
First time I've watched the England juniors and found it really refreshing. Agree with 'Dave_7's point entirely. Just hope to see them in the senior setup, sooner rather than later.
First time I've watched the England juniors and found it really refreshing. Agree with 'Dave_7's point entirely. Just hope to see them in the senior setup, sooner rather than later.
Anonymous June 28, 2011 8:48 am
Great match and more competitive than I expected. Could quite easily of been Englands game. NZ dont win simply because of size. If that was the case Holland would dominate world rugby!
N June 28, 2011 10:46 am
NZ deserved to win.
England did very well and competed fiercly.
The point of difference was the rucking. NZ just outrucked England, they more more physical and intense in this area and it got them over the line.
But well done England, these young English players are very impressive and will no doubt have long succesful careers.
Italian anon guy, this haka thing is such old news. Enough with the tired bs about it being an advantage.
Anyone who lets a dance influence a game doesn't deserve to win a game of rugby anyway.
England did very well and competed fiercly.
The point of difference was the rucking. NZ just outrucked England, they more more physical and intense in this area and it got them over the line.
But well done England, these young English players are very impressive and will no doubt have long succesful careers.
Italian anon guy, this haka thing is such old news. Enough with the tired bs about it being an advantage.
Anyone who lets a dance influence a game doesn't deserve to win a game of rugby anyway.
RememberTheMer June 28, 2011 3:08 pm
FFS, haka bad blab blah
Any player who is psychologically disavdvantaged or otherwise intimidated by the haka should not be on the field
Any player who is psychologically disavdvantaged or otherwise intimidated by the haka should not be on the field
Anonymous June 28, 2011 4:59 pm
the commentator was always getting confused between Daly and Farrel
Anonymous June 28, 2011 8:16 pm
at dave the first comment - a world cup win and finalist in the last two world cups would suggest otherwise
Anonymous June 29, 2011 3:54 pm
In the last try of New Zeland, the NZ full back push the England man were they were running to the ball! And the referee do nothing. Im not english
Anonymous June 29, 2011 4:35 pm
Is it just me or was that last try by Nz u20's illegal, as the player handed off Geroge Ford when he didn't have the ball?
Anonymous June 29, 2011 9:09 pm
Doesn't really matter now if their were some dodgy calls, games over and nz win. Great effort from England though, got some great up and coming players
Anonymous June 29, 2011 11:52 pm
Agree with two of the Anonymous above, the ref was right there, and so was the lines man. Surely you cant push a player like that. Not being bitter, think it was a great game. just want to understand the rules better, new to the game
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