New Zealand subdue battling Irish to retain Under-21 crown

7.30am

Defending champions New Zealand subdued a battling Ireland side 47-19 in Sunday's Under-21 rugby world cup final in Glasgow.

Winger Tony Koonwaiyou notched three of New Zealand's six tries with Jonathan Poff and replacements, Tii Paulo and Hosea Gear, also touching down.

New Zealand led 28-11 at halftime with James Heaslip scoring an Irish try.

Shane O'Connor's try brought Ireland to within 14 points with 10 minutes left but with the Irish tiring, New Zealand added two further late tries.

First five-eighth Luke McAllister kicked two early penalties for New Zealand and Gareth Steenson replied for the Irish with a drop goal.

But after 23 minutes, New Zealand took the lead with a try from flanker Poff and almost immediately, outstanding centre Ben Atiga drew three men before sending in Koonwaiyou with McAllister again converting.

A barging run by number eight Jerome Kaino put Koonwaiyou in again but Steenson dropped a goal and the half ended with Ireland mauling over for Jamie Heaslop to touch down and cut the half-time deficit to 25-11.

McAllister and Steenson swapped penalties early in the second half before Koonwaiyou completed his hat-trick with ball switched from left to right.

Ireland mauled over for another try, this time through John Wickham, but the day ended with two more New Zealand tries for Tii Paulo and then Hosea Gear, with McAllister converting the last.

South Africa finished third after a convincing 44-10 win over Australia, and England finished fifth by beating Wales in a hard-fought game.

Seventh place was taken by Argentina, who beat France 42-33 and Tonga finished last after being beaten by 44-39 by Russia.

- NZPA