Chiefs young guns into JWC final

By Mark Stevens

Exeter Chiefs fly-half Henry Slade kicked 18 points as England Under-20s booked their place in the final of this year's Junior World Championships with a 33-21 victory over New Zealand.

Slade converted all three England tries through Matt Hankin, Anthony Watson and Tom Smallbone, as well as kicking four penalties for Nick Walshe's side who will now face Wales on Sunday.

Earlier in the day the Welsh overcame reigning champions South Africa 18-17 thanks to a last-gasp converted try from winger Ashley Evans.

Up against the Baby Blacks, the most successful side in JWC history, England - who also included Exeter young guns Sam Hill, Luke Cowan-Dickie and Jack Nowell in their line-up - started brightly using their big ball carriers to cross the gain line and building 12 phases before drawing a penalty which Slade (pictured) landed with aplomb.

England's lead, however, proved shortlived as within minutes a quick line-out from the Baby Blacks was recycled and spread out wide for hooker Epalahame Faiva to touchdown for an uncoverted try.

Slade restored their lead with a penalty before England skipper Jack Clifford burst through the tackle of his Kiwi counterpart Ardie Savea and raced clear. The Harlequins No.8 ran 30 metres untouched before offloading to back-row partner Hankin for a scintillating score.

New Zealand appeared flustered by England’s combative style and began to force their attacking play. Outside-centre Jason Emery, the sole representative of the 2012 side, in particular fell foul of this approach and his loose pass was intercepted by Bath flyer Anthony Watson to sprint in from half way.

A Simon Hickey penalty provided some comfort for the Baby Blacks and cut the deficit to 20-8 at the break.

Slade and Kiwi replacement Jade Te Rure exchanged penalties early on in a second half, before New Zealand hauled themselves back into the contest when following a series of phases, Emery atoned for his earlier error by making the most of some space out wide to bring the lead down to 23-18.

Inspired by captain Savea, brother of All Black winger Julian, the New Zealanders closed the gap to two points thanks to a second Te Rure penalty on 71st minute.

England, though, refused to be denied and imposed their physical dominance with a series of commanding runs that resulted with a close range try from Smallbone. A closing penalty from Slade sealed their first win over New Zealand at age grade level by 33-21.