New Zealand's dominance of the junior world rugby championship has ended with South Africa winning the final 22-16 in Cape Town.
Playing in front of a crowd of over 35,000 at Newlands, the New Zealand under-20 team went to the break with a 10-9 lead but South Africa scored first in the second half and stayed ahead for the rest of the second half.
New Zealand had all four previous titles since the championship was introduced in 2008.
Wing Milford Keresoma crossed for New Zealand's only try after 34 minutes and both South African tries came in the second half.
New Zealand captain Bryn Hall said they were hugely disappointed not to win.
"I am really proud of the way our boys gave it everything, we didn't give up," he said.
New Zealand Rugby Union chief executive Steve Tew said the team could hold their heads up for a "gutsy" performance in the final.
"Five consecutive finals at the junior world championship is a wonderful achievement for New Zealand and we are proud of the boys," Tew said.
"This has been a challenging campaign for them, and facing a strong South African side at home is never easy so we are feeling for (coach) Rob (Penney) and the team."
South Africa 22 (Vian Van Der Watt, Jen Serfontein tries; Handre Pollard 3 pens, drop goal) bt New Zealand 16 (Milford Keresoma try; Ihaia West 3 pens, con)
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