New Zealand beat South Africa 41-9 in Treviso after leading 14-9 at half-time. The Kiwi star was Luke McAlister who was also a star on New Zealand schools' recent tour to Europe. The flyhalf scored 21 points with two tries, four conversions and a penalty goal.
In the other semi-final, played in Padova, France beat Argentina 20-6.
Korea had a nail biting match against Chile, winning 35-31. This ensured that Korea will stay in Group A in 2002.
Group A Results from Wednesday, 27 March:
New Zealand vs South Africa, 41-9. France vs Argentina, 20-6. England vs Italy, 28-8. Ireland vs Romania, 25-7. Korea vs Chile, 35-31. Scotland vs Wales, 25-24. Georgia vs Russia, 15-6. Japan vs Uruguay, 41-0.
Group A Fixtures for Saturday, 30 March. Final: New Zealand vs France in Treviso at 1530 (1430 GMT). 3rd/4th Place: South Africa vs Argentina in Treviso at 1400 (1300 GMT). 5th/6th Place: England vs Scotland in Casale at 1030 (0930 GMT). 7th/8th Place: Italy vs Wales at Paese in 1030 (0930 GMT). 9th/10th Place: Ireland vs Georgia in Silea at 1030 (0930 GMT) 11th/12th Place: Romania vs Russia in Mogliano at 1030 (0930 GMT) 13th/14th Place: Korea vs Japan in Favaro at 1030 (0930 GMT) 15th/16th Place: Chile vs Uruguay in San Dona at 1030 (0930 GMT)
