The halfback was one of New Zealand’s best players, but it was left to first five Rico Simpson to knock over a late penalty to secure the win.
He lined up the chance 5m in from touch and 25m out. The blustery wind added difficulty.
Simpson pushed the ball to the right before it curved back and, well, there was some confusion.
Simpson started to celebrate. The assistant referee was not sure. But the television coverage showed the kick was successful — just.
It completed a tremendous fightback.
New Zealand trailed 11-0 at halftime. The French pack had got on top.
Winger Stanley Solomon provide a spark early in the second spell. He chipped ahead and regathered to advance New Zealand past halfway.
Smith got in support and centre Aki Tuivailala sliced through in the 44th minute.
A Joe Quere Karaba intercept try set the Kiwis back.
But Solomon responded with a try in the 52nd minute after Pledger weaved past tacklers.
Pledger got New Zealand into the lead 10 minutes later when he scored.
But France knocked over a couple of penalties and led 26-24 going into the final moments of the game.
Cue Simpson and that penalty which inched past the inside of the post.
New Zealand have only to beat winless Spain in their last group match to guarantee a place in the semifinals.
U20 world championships
The scores
New Zealand 27
Stanley Solomon, Aki Tuivailala, Dylan Pledger, Manumaua Letiu tries; Rico Simpson 2 con, pen.
France 26
Xan Mousques, Joe Quere Karaba, Mathis Ferte tries; Hugo Reus 3 pen, con.
Halftime: France 11-0.
