Australia edge NZ in under-19 final

A two try flurry midway through the first half provided the impetus for Australia to eke out a narrow 17-13 victory over New Zealand in the final of under-19 World Cup tournament in Dubai today.

Australian lock Daniel Linde put the first points on the board with an opportunist try in the 15th minute while winger Lachlan Turner's explosive burst down the left touchline soon after helped open up a 14-point lead.

And although New Zealand mounted a magnificent fightback to come within touching distance of claiming the trophy, Australia gained sweet revenge for a 22-17 reverse against their trans Tasman rivals in group play just eight days previously.

Centre Anthony Faingaa slotted a drop goal three minutes from the end of regulation time to make the margin more comfortable for Australia.

New Zealand could have taken the lead early on when Colin Slade, the tournament's leading points scorer, attempted a straight 45-metre penalty but although the full-back's kick had more than enough legs, it just drifted wide of the upright.

The occasion seemed to affect both sides, who battled to contain their early nerves.

- NZPA