New Zealand beat their great trans-Tasman rivals Australia 39-36 on the final day of the IRB Under 21 World Championship to finish the tournament in third place.
The Kiwis began the match well but, while they established a strong territorial stranglehold, failed to make it pay. Instead it was Australia who proved more clinical, hooker Geoff Abram picking up a loose ball to beat the defence and race in from not less that 60 metres out.
A try from Lelia Masaga brought New Zealand back into the match but Australia again proved themselves masters of the counter attack, Josh Holmes pouncing on a loose ball after a James Somerset break to take Australia out to a 17-5 lead after 20 minutes.
Again New Zealand's response was not long in coming. First Lelia Masaga scored his second, then captain Jamie MacKintosh nudged his side into the lead at 18-17 but again they allowed Australia back into the lead, Anthony Fainga'a breaking through to score and put Australia 24-18 up at the break.
Australia's advantage was further strengthened immediately after the resumption of play when David Haydon scored and the match seemed theirs for the taking.
However, first a defensive lapse allowed New Zealand scrum half Stephen Brett in for a try that clawed his side back into the match and then Alby Mathewson scored a fine individual effort to put the Kiwis back into the lead at 32-31.
Lelia Masaga just missed out on his hat trick try but Mikaele Tu’u scored to put New Zealand eight points clear. Australia had the last word through skipper Tatafu Polota-Nau but New Zealand held out for the tight win.
Quotes
Jamie MacKintosh, NZ captain: The victory owes a lot to the fact the guys have been together now for so long. We worked hard, we've done well to recover and that gave us an edge towards the end of the match.
Greg Cooper, NZ coach: We're disappointed to finish in third place, but today we're pleased. It's a welcome revenge after losing to the same Australian side in the group stages. We made a lot of mistakes in the match but are pleased with the way we attacked.
Tatafu Polota-Nau, Australia captain: In the end victory in this match came down to a few tiny details; we made some mistakes in defence but the players have given their all.
Chris Hickey, Australia coach: I want to thank everyone who's helped with the pitches, the training pitches, the organization. It's been a magnificent tournament. In this match neither side was at its best. Our players are disappointed as they feel they had the opportunity to get to the final and win.