WALES Under-20s finished the Junior World Championship on a wining note thanks to a hard-fought 20-3 success against Samoa.

Newport Gwent Dragons back row forward James Benjamin scored a brace after Ospreys wing, and full cap, Dafydd Howells had opened the scoring in North Harbour.

Byron Hayward was looking for his side to respond to their narrow loss to France and they did just that with a solid defensive display and another strong effort at the set piece.

Victory means that Wales, who were third in 2012 and runners-up last year, finish the tournament in seventh place.

They will be in the third pot for next year’s competition in Italy, meaning they are certain to have two big teams in their group.

Wales scorers: tries - D Howells, J Benjamin (2); conversion - E Davies; penalty - E Davies

Samoa scorer: penalty - W Talataina Mu