U20

France ready to defend Under-20s world title in Argentina

ArthurVincentSB19
France will be defending their World Rugby Under 20 Championship title when they face off against Australia in the final on Saturday.

France will be defending their World Rugby Under 20 Championship title when they face off against Australia in the final on Saturday.

The three-time Under-20s Six Nations champions made it to their second successive final after Louis Carbonel, who has been nominated for player of the tournament, inspired Les Bleuets to a 20-7 defeat of South Africa.

They will meet an Australia side in Rosario, Argentina who haven’t made a final appearance since they were defeated 62-17 by New Zealand back in 2010.

France mustered two wins in the Guinness Six Nations this year for a fourth-place finish and will be hoping back-to-back Under-20s world titles will be the catalyst for more success in future years.

The likes of Jordan Joseph, Carbonel, Matthis Lebel, Jean-Baptiste Gros and Killian Geraci were all pivotal to Les Bleuets securing the world title 12 months ago and that experience could be vital this time around.

With members of last year’s squad, such as Demba Bamba and Romain Ntamack, having already been promoted to the senior squad and made an impact in the Guinness Six Nations, the pathway is clearly there for the likes of skipper Arthur Vincent and his current teammates.

And despite having lost just one match – to hosts Argentina – in the tournament so far, Vincent admits it has been a battle for France to earn the shot at another title.

“It’s unbelievable for the team. I’m very happy for each player – it’s very good. The semi-final was a very hard game though, so credit to South Africa,” he said.

“I hope it will be a great final. It has been all about recuperation and now the final.”

Having beaten Italy and Ireland to top Pool B, Australia overcame hosts Argentina 34-13 in the semi-finals to set up the showpiece against Les Bleuets.

Meanwhile there will be an all-Under-20s Six Nations face-off in the fifth-place play-off as England – who beat familiar foes Ireland 30-23 in their semi-final – take on Wales, after they notched a notable scalp by edging out New Zealand 8-7.

A late Tom Willis try was enough to seal England’s fate after Ireland had fought back to level at 23-23 heading into the closing stages while Cai Evans slotted a clutch penalty to best the All Blacks in a low-scoring affair.

Australia v France will kick-off on Saturday June 22 at 3.30pm local time at Racecourse Stadium, Rosario, Argentina.

Prior to the final England will face Wales at 10.30am at the same ground, while Ireland face New Zealand at Club Old Resian at 1pm.