New Zealand 10

Australia 7

(after sudden-death extra time)

New Zealand — the team that refused to kick points — grabbed victory in the Classic's first ever sudden-death match courtesy of a drop goal to advance to the final.

It was deep into rugby's version of 'golden goal' before last night's marathon semi-final reached its resolution with an exquisitely executed kick by the All Blacks' Jarrod Young condemning Australia to a cruel defeat.

"They've been telling us to kick points for years," smiled New Zealand coach Andy Haden. "We listened, but it's taken us a long time to make up our minds. Maybe they're wishing they never asked us now."

After normal-time the Southern Hemisphere's famous rivals were locked together with the score at 7-7, with not even ten minutes of extra-time able to separate them.

The absorbing encounter drifted into its third five-minute period of sudden death before the Kiwis struck the deciding blow to silence the "Aussie, Aussie, Aussie" chants of the travelling Antipodeans.

Australian coach Richard Tombs was pragmatic in defeat, praising both sets of weary warriors for playing their part in a thrilling semi-final.

"Look, it's always tough to go out in sudden death," he said. "Their guy kicked a great drop goal and you have to give them credit for getting in that position in the first place.

"The way the game was played certainly shows the rivalry between these two countries is alive and well and I'm sure the fans were entertained. It could have gone either way."

It was New Zealand who broke the deadlock in the 19th minute when Marcus Seuseu scored a try under the posts, which was converted by Luke Otley. They preserved their lead by stifling Australia's attacks until Nick Gregorski levelled with five minutes left on the clock. With Paul Horton's conversion good, the match spiraled into extra time before its sudden-death climax, which came ironically via the boot of an All Black.

France 14

Argentina 0

France coach Olivier Roumat said reaching the Plate Final went some way to making up for their last-gasp defeat against the All Blacks on the day one of the Classic.

Roumat's side breezed past the Pumas thanks to two first-half tries by Said Filali and Frederique Benazech, and will take on the winners of the US and Canada, who meet tonight.

"It was very frustrating to lose in the last 35 seconds against New Zealand," said Roumat who won 61 caps for France. "It was very sad for us, but we showed good team spirit to beat Argentina and reach the Plate Final. I'm very happy for the boys as they put in a lot of effort."

Tonight's fixtures also see the Classic Lions take on South Africa in the semi-final.