After finishing fourth in the RBS 6 Nations, the Welsh upset the odds by beating the Baby Blacks 9-6 in the group stages, but despite two Tom Prydie penalties putting them into an early lead they were comfortably beaten four tries to none.

Jimmy Tupou, Jason Emery, Jordan Taufua and Ofa Tu’ungafasi scored the tries for New Zealand, who will face South Africa in the final after they saw off Argentina 35-3.

In the battle for fifth Ireland surprised Grand Slam champions England with a comprehensive 27-12 win.

Tries from Barry Daly and Iain Henderson set the Irish on their way, with JJ Hanrahan’s boot helping them to a 17-0 half-time lead.

England threatened a comeback when skipper Chris Walker went over early in the second half but after he was sent to the sin bin, followed by Marland Yarde, Ireland took control with another try – from Jordon Coghlan – to lead 27-5.

Henry Slade grabbed a try which he converted late on, but the Irish ran out deserved winners and will face France in the fifth-place play-off.

The French beat Australia for the second time in as many games but found life much tougher than their bonus-point group win, eventually coming out on top 19-17.

Eric Escande’s three penalties sent them into a 9-0 lead but a try from Lindsay Crook, and five points from Matt Lucas put the Wallabies in front.

France responded with a try from replacement hooker Jean-Charles Fidinde, and after Nicholas Frisby had given Australia back the lead, replacement fly-half Daniel Laranjeira won it for the French with a drop goal.

Meanwhile in the battle for ninth Scotland got the better of Italy with a convincing 34-17 win with Mitch Eadie and Jamie Farndale grabbing two tries apiece.

Finn Russell scored the other try for the Scots, with Harry Leonard adding nine points with the boot, while Italy had to settle for two tries from Giulio Bisegni and David Odiete.