France win under-21 title

New Zealand were forced to come from behind to gain a consolation win at the under-21 rugby World Cup in France today.

New Zealand came from 18-24 down at halftime against Australia to win the playoff for third 39-36 and gain revenge for a pool stage loss earlier in the tournament.

France beat South Africa 24-13 in the final, with first five-eighth Lionel Beauxis the hero by scoring all his side's points with six penalties and two dropped goals.

England scored four tries in their 34-8 victory over Ireland in Cournon to secure fifth place.

Argentina beat Wales 28-12 for seventh while arguably the biggest surprise of the final day happened in Thiers, where Fiji, 7-19 down to Scotland at halftime, rallied to win 21-19.

In the 11th place playoff, Italy edged Georgia 12-9.

Final standings: France 1, South Africa 2, New Zealand 3, Australia 4, England 5, Ireland 6, Argentina 7, Wales 8, Fiji 9, Scotland 10, Italy 11, Georgia 12.

- NZPA