Australia have recorded their worst performance at the IRB Junior World Championship in South Africa in losing 17-13 to England in a playoff to finish eighth overall.

Australia’s under 20s led 13-3 at halftime but England scored 14 unanswered points to complete the come-from-behind-win in the seventh place play off.

Australia’s previous worst effort was a fifth placed finish five years ago.

South Africa were crowned junior world champions after defeating New Zealand in the final.