New Zealand Top Pool At Under-20 World Cup.

New Zealand: 69 (Caleb Clarke 3, Will Jordan 3, Braydon Ennor, Tom Christie, Josh McKay, Ereatara Enari, Tiaan Falcon tries; Falcon 7 con) Ireland: 3 (Conor Fitzgerald pen)

New Zealand has qualified for the semi-finals of the World Under-20 Rugby Championships by topping Pool B unbeaten.

In their latest match the Baby Blacks trounced Ireland 69-3, scoring 11 unanswered tries.

Ireland prevented New Zealand from making the semi-finals last year after a 33-24 win in pool play, but was no match in 2017, failing to score a try against 13-men.

New Zealand lost locks Sam Caird and Isaia Walker-Leawere to the sinbin in the second-half, but it mattered little as New Zealand won easily, despite attaining less possession.

New Zealand led 31-3 at halftime and bettered that score in the second half with a commanding display.

The highlights were numerous. Caleb Clarke scored three tries, including a solo burst over 45-metres. Fullback Will Jordan might be the best player at the tourney and bagged a hat-trick with his Ben Smith like instincts.

Walker-Leawere atoned for his carding with some powerful bursts and hooker Asafo Aumua was imperious in his one-hour stint.

New Zealand is still fragile in the defence of lineout mauls and Falcon missed kicks he would usually slot, but otherwise, the signs of a first title since 2015 are promising.

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