JWC: New Zealand through but boss not fully happy
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JWC: New Zealand through but boss not fully happy
New Zealand U20 coach Scott Robertson was happy to have made the last four but frustrated with his side’s performance against Ireland.
A 25-3 victory ensured that New Zealand topped Pool C and finished as second seeds overall in a mixed showing from the 2011 champions.
Blues winger Tevita Li scored a try either side of half-time to keep Ireland at bay but Robertson knows his side will need to produce a lot more if they are to stand a chance of winning the U20 World Championship.
The Baby Blacks will now face Pool A winners France in Monday’s semi-final, but Robertson insisted that they have to improve.
"We were poor in defending the maul and lineouts. They did a lot of kicking and tactically put pressure on us,” said Robertson.
"We were poor in defending the maul and lineouts. They did a lot of kicking and tactically put pressure on us,” said Robertson.
"We played too much from our 22 and we suffered a lot of pressure. I’m very happy to be in the semi-finals, but we must improve and to be more clinical.”
