FORMER Salisbury Rugby Club colt and current London Irish full back Tom Homer’s three converted penalties could not help England’s under 20 side to overcome New Zealand under 20s in the final of the IRB Toshiba Junior World Championship in Japan on Sunday.
England made it to the final after a powerful performance in last Wednesday’s semi-final against South Africa saw them record a 41-21 win, with Homer kicking 20 of England’s 41 points.
In the final, New Zealand ran in seven tries in an outstanding showcase of 15-man rugby to beat England 44-28.
While the Kiwi backs looked very dangerous early on, two penalties by Homer saw England take an early lead.
However, the Kiwis came back and two unanswered tries saw them go into the lead for the first time in the game.
Homer reduced the lead with another well struck penalty just before half-time, but that was to be as close as England got and the Kiwis pulled away in the second half.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article