New Zealand rumbled Australia 37-7 to maintain their perfect historical record at the rugby junior world championships and book a berth in the final.

In a repeat of last year's final, three-time champions New Zealand pulled clear late with a compelling performance at Treviso, Italy, outclassing the Australians 20-0 in the second spell.

They will start heavy favourites to beat England in Monday morning's final and claim a fourth successive title.

England were impressive enough in downing France 33-18 at the same venue this morning (NZT) but few will expect them to beat a New Zealand side who have won 19 from 19 matches since the tournament's inception in 2008.

New Zealand never threatened to match the 62-17 winning scoreline in last year's final defeat of Australia.

In fact they fell 7-0 behind after Australian right winger Tevita Kuridrani was put clear in the 13th minute after a simple overlap was created.

New Zealand levelled through right winger Francis Saili soon afterwards and the conversion from Auckland first five-eighth Gareth Anscombe followed by two penalties put them 13-7 up at the break.

Saili's try was a gem, set up a neat insertion and quick hands from fullback and Hurricanes Super Rugby player Beauden Barrett.

The second half was a more open affair with winger Charles Piutau notching his fifth try of the tournament, followed by Anscombe and replacement halfback Brad Weber.

Anscombe's 22 point haul gives him a tournament-high 68 going into the final.

New Zealand 37 (Francis Saili, Charles Piutau, Gareth Anscombe, Brad Weber tries; Anscombe 3 pen, 4 con) Australia 7 (Tevita Kuridrani try; Ben Volavola con). Halftime: 13-7.

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