New Zealand U20 claim bronze with win over England
New Zealand Under 20 on backfoot early in the game
England, who have never finished third in the competition, were beaten by New Zealand in the 2017 final and made a dream start when speedy winger Sam Winters shrugged off several tackles to score under the posts in the third minute. Winters later had two further tries disallowed. New Zealand responded just two minutes later. Finn McLeod, who topped New Zealand’s tackle count with 15 and carries with 13, secured possession from a lineout before a patient, direct attack ended with lock Jake Frost muscling his way over.
England take halftime advantage
England lost centre Nick Lilley to the sin bin after 12 minutes after he was caught offside for the second time in the space of a minute, but New Zealand were unable to capitalise.
Instead, McLeod was shown a yellow card after 21 minutes following three offside penalties in four phases. Almost immediately, Jackson Hughan denied England hooker Jimmy Staples with a desperate last-ditch tackle.
Tasman lock Frost burrowed over for his second try in the 26th minute, but the combative Staples replied for England to give his side a 14-10 halftime lead.
Rotorua Boys’ High School’s 2025 National Top Four winner Jake Hutchings produced a bustling performance on debut and capped it with a try in the 44th minute, putting New Zealand ahead 15-14.
Staples forced his way across for his second try four minutes later, but England were unable to maintain their foothold in the contest.
WATCH: Highlights from the New Zealand Under 20 v England Under 20 Junior World Championship Bronze Medal Match
New Zealand finish strongly
In the 50th minute, Cohen Norrie, one of New Zealand’s standout performers throughout the tournament, stepped sharply off his left foot and burst through a gap before creating a try for powerful Auckland centre Siale Pahulu.
Logan Williams’ conversion put New Zealand ahead and they would not surrender the lead.
McLeod made amends for his earlier yellow card by powering over the line in the 63rd minute. He repeated the effort just two minutes later, with New Zealand’s most experienced player saving his best performance for last.
England gave themselves a fighting chance in the 71st minute when winger Tyler Offiah, the son of rugby league great Martin Offiah, collected a cross-kick to score.
However, replacement Max Fale put the result beyond doubt with New Zealand’s seventh try in the 79th minute, completing another influential contribution from the bench.
The referee was Ben Connor of Wales.
Match Score Sheet
New Zealand 41: Jake Frost 2, Finn McLeod 2, Jake Hutchings, Siale Pahulu, Max Fale tries; Logan Williams 3 conversions.
England 26: Sam Winters, Jimmy Staples 2, Tyler Offiah tries; Hugh Shields, Finn Keylock conversions.
Halftime: 10-14.
