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For the first time in five attempts at under-20 level, Ireland was better than the Baby Blacks.
In the 78th minute New Zealand had a sniff of victory when trailing 30-24. New Zealand fumbled in their 22 and Ireland enjoying a vastly superior scrum pushed hard and won a penalty.
Reserve kicker Jonny McPhillips slotted the goal and New Zealand was consigned to defeat for the first time.
Earlier New Zealand appeared on course for victory when ahead 14-6 after 24 minutes.
Despite a spirited start by Ireland, New Zealand scored the first two tries of the match. In the seventh minute second-five Jordie Barrett powered over from close range. In the 24th minute he offloaded in a two-man tackle to Chiefs wing Shaun Stevenson who outpaced an under-manned cover defence with a superb chip and chase.
Ireland rallied from 17-6 down to beat Grand Slam champions Wales. In the 27th minute their resilience was shown when Craig Jones rumbled over from a rolling maul. In the 34th minute hooker Adam McBurney barged over from another drive to give the Irish a 20-14 edge at halftime.
In the 71st minute Ireland led 23-19 and had a series of scrums five-metres shy of New Zealand’s goal-line. Irish No.8 Max Deegan darted down a vacant short side and scored unopposed to make it 28-19.
McPhillips nailed the sideline conversion and New Zealand appeared to be toast. New Zealand won the kick-off and Ireland conceded a penalty. A quick tap by halfback Jonathan Taumateine caught Ireland in retreat and wing Malo Tuitama finished to make it 30-24 and suddenly hopes were revived.
This was to be Ireland’s day however. Lock and Captain James Ryan was named man of the match, the best of an outstanding forward pack who bullied a shell-shocked New Zealand. New Zealand faces Wales in their final pool game.
The winner will have a strong shot at making the semi-finals, the loser will go home. Ireland top Pool A on 10 points four clear of the Kiwis and Wales who only beat Georgia 10-9.
In Pool B England thrashed Scotland 44-0 to leave them four points clear of Australia who scored their first victory against Italy (38-10).
In Pool C Argentina shocked South Africa 19-13 to go top of the group. In the other match France beat Japan 46-14.
Ireland: 33 (Craig Jones, Adam McBurney, Max Deegan tries; Bill Johnston 2 pen, 2 con; Jonny McPhillips 2 pen, 1 con) New Zealand: 24 (Malo Tuitama 2, Jordie Barrett, Shaun Stevenson tries; Barrett 2 con)
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