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Kieran Bingham • July 15th, 2025 10:48 am
Eli Oudenryn (l) celebrates the win | Photo: NZ Rugby
The New Zealand Under-20s’ redemption story continues, knocking out Six Nations champions France with a 34-26 win to secure their first trip to a World Rugby U20 Championship final since 2017.
It was a thrilling and gutsy performance from the young Kiwis, who held on to win despite two yellow cards late in the game, which threatened to derail their campaign. The second, in the 63rd minute, left them defending a narrow 27–26 lead with time still on the clock.
Eli Oudenryn, originally named as reserve hooker, found himself thrown into the action in an unfamiliar role - at flanker. He took it in stride.
“Yeah, I got pulled on at flanker. I wasn't expecting that it was a bit of a push but I worked it out. I was just hoping their lungs can hold up,” he told Sport Nation’s Scotty & Izzy, with a grin.
The physicality of the French side was no surprise. Their power and skill across the park posed constant threats, but New Zealand stayed determined, both tactically and mentally.
“They're big boys, real physical and skilled so it was sort of a balance of locking them down but also forcing their skill set so I mean, our bodies will be a bit sore but we'll get into our recovery and get ready for that final coming up,” Oudenryn explained.
New Zealand came into the tournament considered a ‘smaller side’ by international standards.
But rather than lean away from the contact-heavy areas of the game, they’ve embraced it, and thrived.
“I mean, our style of play is fast, but I don't think we fear away from contact or anything physical. I think the boys are all up for it. I think that's why we're doing so well for ourselves,” he said.
After the World Cup, Oudenryn will return home to gear up for the NPC season with Tasman, where he'll don the Mako jersey once more.
Next up, though, is the final: a mouth-watering clash with South Africa, who defeated Argentina 48–24 in the second semi-final.
The Baby Blacks will meet the Baby Boks at 6.30am on Sunday Morning NZ Time.
One match remains in what’s shaping up to be a remarkable campaign for the Baby Blacks.
Listen to the full interview below:
