NEW Zealand unleashed a second-half onslaught to beat Australia 31-17 and became the first team to reach the International Rugby Board Junior World Championship final yesterday .

NEW Zealand unleashed a second-half onslaught to beat Australia 31-17 and became the first team to reach the International Rugby Board Junior World Championship final yesterday .

In the second semi-final, England defeated South Africa 40-21 to set up a revenge match against New Zealand for last year's final.

Left winger Zac Guildford opened the scoring for New Zealand in the eighth minute with stand-off Aaron Cruden converting, while Australia evened it 7-7 with hooker Damian Fitzpatrick's try and a goal from Richard King to end the first half.

Australia took a 14-7 lead when left centre Ben Tapuai touched down a converted try.

But New Zealand added two tries through left centre Shaun Treeby and Guildford with Cruden adding two goals and one penalty to make it 24-17 after the break.

Fullback Robbie Robinson added another converted try to clinch the victory.