JORDAN Crane's hopes of glory at the IRB under-21 World Championships were dashed by New Zealand in France as England finished their pool just out of the quarter final places.

The former South Bromsgrove High School pupil captained the side that lost 29-14 to the All Blacks and then defeated Scotland 31-12.

Despite the five try demolition of Scotland England were edged out of the cup's top four places and missed out on the quarter finals.

Against the Kiwis England rallied from 26-0 down with tries by James Haskell and Topsy Ojo.

Defeat meant England had to comprehensively defeat Scotland and hope New Zealand slip up.

Gloucester's Anthony Allen opened the scoring with a try, before Crane bagged the first of his two touch downs.

Alex Rogers grabbed a third and Haskell added a fourth, before Crane completed the rout with try that confirmed England's superiority in the game.

Despite New Zealand losing to Australia, the All Black's superior points difference forced England out of the reckoning.

England will be aiming to finish the tournament on a high tonight (Wednesday) when they take on Wales at the Stade Darragon.