All Blacks haka, New Zealand 2025 World Rugby Under 20 World Championships. Photo: © World Rugby 2025 / PHOTOSPORT
New Zealand is through to the final of the men's Under-20 Rugby World Cup in Italy.
The Junior All Blacks beat France 34-26 in a tense semi-final in Viadana.
New Zealand were ahead 24-19 at half time after tries to Stanley Solomon, Mosese Bason and Jack Wiseman.
However, they had to spend much of the second half on defence and were not helped by yellow cards.
Both centre Jack Wiseman and wing Frank Vaenuku spent time on the sidelines and France capitalised with their fourth try of the game.
However, the Junior All Blacks responded after a strong surge by the forwards with lock Aisake Vakasiuola touching down next to the post.
They were then able to hold on to the final whistle.
First five Rico Simpson kicked four conversions and two penalties.
"We talked about this game being our final," halfback and vice-captain Dylan Pledger said.
"I think the boys played it like a final out there and now we've got one more game to go."
South Africa meet Argentina in the other semi-final later this morning.
New Zealand has won the Under-20 title six times with their last in 2017.
Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero, a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.
