Wales will meet New Zealand at Rodney Parade in the first semi-final of IRB Junior World Championship on Wednesday night.

The host nation progressed to the final four after their last gasp 23-19 victory over France at the Liberty Stadium last Saturday.

And the Kiwis, after a third successive pool victory - 60-0 over Argentina - have kept alive their dream of emulating the success of last season's Under 19 Championship win in Northern Ireland.

It promises to be a wonderful occasion for both sides with Wales desperate to defy the odds and book a place in the final in Swansea on Sunday night. Wales head coach Patrick Horgan said: "I was delighted with the way we stuck in there against the French and carried on until we finally got the winning score. However, at times they were too physical for us and we know that the All Blacks will be even tougher in that department.

"Still, we are there on merit and the boys will give it their best shot. We are not going to Newport just to make up the numbers, that's for sure. There is no reason for us to be concerned, we just have to make sure that we play to the best of our ability. Nobody can ask for anymore than that."

Three straightforward pool victories have hardly stretched New Zealand although they are unlikely to be easing up against a Wales side who will certainly have plenty of support behind them,

Assistant coach Rob Appleyard said, "The fans have been absolutely fantastic in Swansea and they really helped us home at the weekend. I am sure that we will get some of the same at Rodney Parade."

The All Blacks have the likes of senior Super 14 players Sean Maitland, Zac Guildford, Nasi Manu and Kade Poki leading their challenge, but outside half Daniel Kirkpatrick said, "It went well against Argentina and it was certainly enjoyable playing behind such a dominant pack. However, the semi final will be another hard game especially against the home team."

Wales coach Warren Gatland, who will be at the game, said: "It's a great achievement in itself to reach the semis and to be competing amongst the top four countries in the world at this level.

"I won't be giving the Wales Under 20 coaching team any advice about the New Zealand team - I'm sure they've done plenty of research. But I would tell the players to go out and play with confidence against the Kiwis and put them under pressure.

"One thing we learned with the senior team in South Africa was that we gave initially gave the Springboks too much respect. You just can't do that in international rugby.

"This is a great opportunity for these young players. It's a shop window for them to stake a claim for places in regional squads for next season and it will show how they can play at a high level."

Meanwhile, England will be hoping to go one better than their senior side tomorrow night when they take on South Africa in the second semi final of the Junior World Championship at Cardiff Arms Park.

Phil Vickery's side lost out to the Springboks despite defying all odds to reach last year's World Cup final in Paris.

So, buoyed by their outstanding pool victory over Australia at Rodney Parade on Saturday, Hugo Ellis and co are keen to make it four successive victories in the competition and to book a place in Sunday's final in Swansea.

Ellis said, "It was an awesome performance against Australia. All the players put their bodies on the line and as a defensive display, it was out of this world.

"We put them under pressure and came up with some big plays - firstly when Luke Eves intercepted for the first try and secondly when we forced the second half charge down.

"The thing that stood out the most was the way which we stepped up the intensity, especially around the ruck where we knew their scrum half was a threat. Now, we have to do it all again against South Africa."

South Africa coach Eric Sauls is expecting another physically demanding encounter. He said, "We expect it will be a very close contest. It will be tough. They are very physical, especially from the lineouts. They've got big strong backline players, good wings and full back, so it will be very tough.

"The contest will basically be determined by two packs of big forwards. If you get quality possession you can start building momentum and get guys running angles but as soon as you struggle with first quality ball, it will be a long day for you."

New Zealand v Wales, Rodney Parade, Newport, 7pm

England v South Africa, Cardiff Arms Park, 9.10pm

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