New Zealand produced a powerful second half showing to beat Ireland 24-38 in the playoff for third place at DHL Stadium. Trailing 12-5 at halftime, the Baby Blacks suffered a setback early in the second half when Frank Vaenuku was sin-binned for a dangerous cleanout on Stephen Smyth. Down a man, New Zealand lifted and leveled the scores soon after when Aki Tuivailala broke through to set up Xavi Taele. Vernon Bason burst away to put the Baby Blacks in front after 47 minutes before a tackle busting effort by Jeremiah Avei-Collins gave them breathing space with 23 minutes to go. A double to Vaenuku settled the result before Ireland finished with pride with late tries to Ethan Graham and Sean Naughton.