France claimed the runners-up spot in the 2021 Six Nations Under-20s after edging Ireland 34-28 in a hotly-contested Round 5 encounter in Cardiff.
Having seen England clinch the Grand Slam earlier in the day and subsequently end their hopes of retaining their 2019 crown, Ireland scored the first try of the match through Jamie Osborne.
Skipper Alex Kendellen also went over for the men in green in a try-filled first half, with Thibault Debaes, Pierre Bochaton and Paul Mallez all touching down for France.
Both sides defended sternly after the interval and although Kendellen claimed a second at the death, a cleverly-worked Louis Bielle-Biarrey score ultimately saw France over the line, helping them leapfrog their opponents in the table.
TRIES GALORE IN THRILLING FIRST 40
Both teams enjoyed flurries of possession in the early stages after France had conceded a penalty straight from kick-off, and further indiscipline followed as Killian Tixeront was sent to the bin for a tucked shoulder in the third minute.
Though a man down, Les Bleuets continued to quell any hints of an Irish threat, while at the other end a penalty conceded by Jude Postlethwaite allowed Nolann Le Garrec to kick Philippe Boher’s side into a 3-0 lead.
Going behind seemed to spark Ireland into life and they quickly notched the first try of the contest, full-back Osborne lunging over after evading a challenge from Léo Barré close to the line.
France were back in front just before the 20-minute mark, Bielle-Biarrey latching onto a loose pass and running the length of the pitch before the ball was eventually recycled to Debaes to dot down.
With the game’s momentum now in their favour the men in blue added a second try, Bochaton finishing off a well-executed lineout in the corner to stretch their advantage to 17-7.
Nathan Doak reduced Ireland’s deficit to seven points with a penalty almost immediately after the restart, before captain Kendellen burrowed over after a smart team move to help Richie Murphy’s men break even.
Doak was then penalised for a block which afforded France crucial territory, and prop Mallez squeezed through a gap in the Irish backline to go over and earn his team a slender lead at half-time.
CAGEY SECOND PERIOD
After having the final say of the first half with a late penalty, Ireland No.10 Doak kicked the first points of the second following a cagey period after the whistle, leaving just one point separating the sides.
Le Garrec missed a chance to reply moments later at the other end, and though France continued to pile on the pressure – with Debaes testing Osborne with a string of neat kicks – it was ultimately without reward.
But with 15 minutes left Le Garrec picked out Bielle-Biarrey with a quickly-taken cross-field kick, leaving the winger with a simple finish to put the three-time Six Nations Under-20s winners on the path to victory.
An eight-point advantage became 11 thanks to another Le Garrec penalty, and though Kendellen went over for a second try late on it proved too late to spark a stunning Irish comeback.
PLAYER OF THE MATCH
There were several huge performances from members of both squads, with Matthias Haddad Victor, Jamie Osborne and Jude Postlethwaite among those standing out.
But the plaudits go to France fly-half Thibault Debaes, who controlled the second half with a scintillating kicking display while also contributing a try.
