The Australian Under-20s have been bundled out of rugby's junior world championship by New Zealand for a second straight year, going down 37-7 in their semi-final clash in Italy.

Australia lost last year's final 62-17 to New Zealand and were again clinically dismantled by the Baby Blacks, who now face England in the final in Padova on Sunday after beating France 33-18 in the other semi-final.

Scraping into the finals on a points differential countback, Australia chose to send the ball wide at every chance and that approach paid dividends in the 13th minute when winger Chris Nasiganiyavi crossed in the corner.

But New Zealand hit back quickly through winger Francis Saili and two late penalty goals to Gareth Anscombe gave New Zealand a 13-7 lead at halftime.

The second stanza was all New Zealand, with winger Charles Piutau touching down for the opening try, while Anscombe slotted a penalty and then pounced on an error by Ben Volavola to score a simple try which he also converted.

With Australia looking unlikely to stage a comeback, New Zealand coach Mark Anscombe rang in the changes, giving substitute halfback Mitchell Scott an opportunity to score the side's fourth and final converted try with three minutes remaining.

The final will be the third time in four tournaments that New Zealand and England have met in the title decider.

Brought to you by AAP © 2024 AAP