Leicester Tigers scrum-half Ben Youngs started the game at Tokyo’s Prince Chichibu Memorial Stadium and was joined by teammate Jack Cobden, who came on as a replacement. Tigers colleagues Will Hurrell and Greig Tonks had also been involved in England’s progress to the final.
England coach Mark Mapletoft said: “We were beaten by a better team.
“I have to give the boys credit for sticking at it but as hard as we worked we couldn't quite close the gap.”
England scored three tries through James Gaskell, Carl Fearns and Dave Lewis while Tom Homer landed three penalties and a conversion. Rob Miller also landed a conversion.
But it was not enough as New Zealand ran in seven tries to retain the title they won last year.
England
Tom Homer (London Irish)
George Lowe (Harlequins)
Henry Trinder (Gloucester Rugby)
Luke Eves (Bristol Rugby)
Charlie Sharples (Gloucester Rugby)
Rory Clegg (Newcastle Falcons)
Ben Youngs (Leicester Tigers)
Ben Moon (Exeter Chiefs)
Jamie George (Saracens)
Bob Baker (London Wasps)
Graham Kitchener (Worcester Warriors)
James Gaskell (Sale Sharks)
Courtney Lawes (Northampton Saints)
Calum Clark (Leeds Carnegie, captain)
Carl Fearns (Sale Sharks)
Replacements
James Clark (London Irish)
Shaun Knight (Gloucester Rugby)
Dan Williams (Gloucester Rugby)
Josh Ovens (Bath Rugby)
Dave Lewis (Gloucester Rugby)
Rob Miller (Newcastle Falcons)
Jack Cobden (Leicester Tigers)
