Baby Blacks find extra gear to shake off Ireland

New Zealand U20s 45 Ireland U20s 23

The curtain was brought down on Ireland U20s’ Junior World Championship journey at Eden Park yesterday, when a stunning second-half display helped hosts New Zealand emerge victorious in an eventful play-off.

However, although the winning margin might suggest that the southern hemisphere outfit had it all their own way in Auckland, they were made to work for their triumph against Mike Ruddock’s men.