New Zealand under-19s lose to South Africa

Hosts South Africa beat New Zealand 20-15 to win the world under-19 rugby title in Durban this morning (NZ time).

New Zealand had the first chance to get points on the board, but Steve Alfeld's penalty slipped left of the uprights.

Four minutes later, Francois Steyn missed a long range shot at goal but New Zealand fumbled the clearance allowing South African centre P J Vermeulen to pounce.

Jody Rose converted to give South Africa a seven-point lead.

South Africa were reduced to 14 men when Hilton Lobberts was sin-binned for a late tackle.

But despite being one player short, South Africa remained on the attack, and the classy back Steyn slotted a drop-goal in the 18th minute to reward his side's ascendancy.

New Zealand opened their account when rangy lock Nick Croswell drove over from close range for Steve Alfeld to convert.

The home side bounced back with a try to Shandre Frolick which Jody Rose converted from the touchline to give South Africa a 17-7 lead at halftime.

Rose put South Africa further ahead six minutes into the second half with a penalty.

New Zealand captain George Whitlock rounded off a solid passage of play for the defending champions with a good try, which was unconverted, leaving the champs eight points adrift.

That gap narrowed to five points with a second Alfeld penalty, eighteen minutes into the second half, ending a period in which New Zealand staged wave after wave of attacks on South Africa's line, but were held at bay each time.

"It was a case of last man standing, and I'm proud of my boys, they just kept fighting right until the end," Whitlock said.

New Zealand coach Aussie McLean complimented South Africa and said New Zealand played good rugby in the final but didn't take some of the opportunities they had.

* Scores:

South Africa 20 (P J Vermeulen, Shandre Frolick trie s, Jody Rose pen, 2 conv, Francois Steyn field goal), New Zealand 15 (Nick Croswell, George Whitelock tries, Steve Alfeld pen, conv) .

- NZPA