Baby Blacks win U20 Rugby World Cup amid TMO controversy

Rico Simpson, New Zealand’s first five players under 20.
Photo: BackpagePix

New Zealand defeated France at the Rugby Under-20 World Cup in tense and confusing circumstances, with the TMO having to confirm that Rico Simpson’s penalty in the final minute was indeed a goal.

The Baby Blacks won the match 27-26 in Stellenbosch, South Africa, which puts them undefeated at the top of their group after two matches.

Simpson, New Zealand’s first five, calmly fired home his penalty in the 80th minute with his team trailing by two points. The penalty was close to the right post and the uncertain assistant referees kept their flags low, although Simpson raised an arm, clearly thinking he had hit the ball.

The referee agreed with him and told the TMO: “For me the kick was over. Can we confirm that?”

The response confirmed that the kick was successful and, to the delight of the New Zealanders, a goal was scored.

It was the first victory for a New Zealand team over France at the under-20 championship since 2017.

France started the match stronger and led 11-0 at half-time. However, the New Zealanders managed to survive 10 minutes without free-forward Andrew Smith after he was sent off.

The Baby Blacks upped their attacking game in the second half and took the lead for the second time when hooker Manumaua Letiu fired the ball across the pitch with 12 minutes remaining.

France looked to have won the match when Mathis Ferté scored a try with six minutes remaining, but the Baby Blacks suffered further defeat when substitute Joshua Smith was shown a yellow card with just three minutes left on the clock.

But it was France who were criticised for misconduct in the final minute and Simpson stepped up to score the decisive goal.

New Zealand are in a strong position to reach the semi-finals as they lead Pool A on 10 points, ahead of Wales on seven and France on six. Wales defeated Spain 21-10 today. New Zealand play pool minnows Spain on Wednesday.

In Pool C, Argentina surprisingly defeated hosts South Africa 31-12 and are now level on points behind leaders England, who defeated Fiji 48-11.

In Pool B, Italy held on to beat Australia 17-12, while Ireland defeated Georgia 22-16. Ireland lead that pool, four points ahead of Australia and two points behind Italy.

Goalscorers: New Zealand 27 (Aki Tuivailala, Stanley Solomon, Dylan Pledger, Manumaua Letiu tries, Rico Simpson 2 cons, pen), France 26 (Joe Quere Karaba, Xan Mousques, Mathis Ferte tries, Hugo Reus con, 3 pen).