Departing England Under-20s captain Alex Gray has tipped the class of 2012 to finally lift the Junior World Championship after his side’s valiant efforts were not enough to stop New Zealand sealing a fourth-straight title.
The Baby Blacks are yet to lose a game since the IRB combined the Under-19 and Under-21 World Championships in 2008 but thanks to two tries from Wasps wing Christian Wade and a fine effort from Sale prop Henry Thomas, England were within touching distance of a first crown before going down 33-22.
“It was a tough battle and I imagine it was quite good watching,” said Newcastle Falcons No.8 Gray.
“We came here thinking we could take it and if things had been different we could have done, but congratulations to New Zealand, they showed they are a class team and good luck to them.
“That was my last game in an England under-20 jersey and it’s a shame we couldn’t end with a win, but we gave it everything and can be proud with ourselves, it’s been an honour playing with these lads.
“There’s no tomorrow for me, but I’m sure that the boys will give it their best shot next year.”
England made a fine start and were ahead after six minutes, Saracens starlet Owen Farrell creating the space for Wade to cross out wide with Leicester fly-half George Ford adding the extras.
The Baby Blacks stormed back however and swiftly followed up Gareth Anscombe’s penalty with Charles Piutau’s try before both sides exchanged penalties.
Rubbing salt into England’s wounds, Kiwi prop Ben Tameifuna barreled over to hand the defending champions a 20-10 advantage at half-time and New Zealand looked out of sight when fly-half Anscombe slotted his second penalty shortly after the break.
But Rob Hunter’s men dragged themselves back into the game and Thomas popped up on the left wing and bulldozed his way to the line before Ford converted, taking England to within six.
With 50 minutes on the clock, Worcester flanker Matt Kvesic was then denied a try having dived over between the posts, only for the Test Match Official to rule that the ball had not been touched down.
That didn’t knock the wind out of England’s sails and Wade burst over for his second try of the game after excellent work from Wasps teammate Elliott Daly but Ford was wayward with the conversion, leaving Hunter’s men trailing by a point.
But that was to be as close as England came as Anscombe was again on target with a penalty before Kiwi full-back Beauden Barrett chased down his own grubber kick to put the finishing touches to New Zealand’s victory.
