Rugby: U-20s stretch unbeaten record

Mitchell Scott of New Zealand scores a try. Photo / Getty Images

New Zealand have powered their way into the semifinals at the under-20 world rugby championship in Italy.

They rolled past pool A rivals Argentina 48-15 in Padova today, in the process extending their unprecedented, unbeaten record at the global tournament to 18 matches.

The three-time champions will meet Australia in the semifinals on Thursday (NZT), while the other last four fixture features France against England.

Despite the decisive scoreline, New Zealand coach Mark Anscombe was not entirely satisfied with his team's performance, particularly in the first half after they hit the Argentinians hard with three tries in the opening 13 minutes.

"It was a bit messy from our point of view. I thought we started pretty well with a couple of early tries but we then got a bit complacent," he said.

"We got a bit loose and gave them a few opportunities which they took."

Still, New Zealand led 31-18 at the break, although Anscombe's stern halftime team talk did the trick, with his players controlling play after the interval to hold the Argentines scoreless.

"We changed the tempo of the game and kept the ball in hand."

Australia, who the New Zealanders beat 62-17 in the title decider last year, lost their final pool game to France 25-31 but scraped into the last four on a points differential countback ahead of South Africa.

- NZPA