England has triumphantly clinched the World Rugby U20 Championship with a well-deserved 21-13 victory over France.
Tries from Joe Bailey and Arthur Green, complemented by 11 points from the boot of Sean Kerr, secured the win for Mark Mapletoft’s side.
Despite Hugo Reus adding eight points from penalties to Mathis Ferté’s try for France, it was not enough to impede the English triumph.
England commenced with vigour, making several incursions into the French 22. However, it was France who opened the scoring, with Reus slotting a penalty after ten minutes. The French side appeared to have scored the first try of the match shortly thereafter, but it was disallowed due to a knock-on in the buildup.
The English scrum displayed its early dominance, winning a penalty that led to a long kick and another penalty from a powerful driving maul. Kane James nearly scored but was held up, providing a brief respite for France.
Despite missing two penalties from Kerr, England eventually capitalised on French ill-discipline. A formidable maul and deft handling saw Bailey crash over for the first try, with Kerr converting to give England a 7-3 lead. Reus responded with a penalty just before halftime, narrowing the gap to 7-6.
The second half saw England gain a numerical advantage when Mathis Castro-Ferreira was yellow-carded for a high tackle. Kerr’s penalty extended England’s lead, and moments later, Ben Waghorn’s astute kick forced a French knock-on, setting up Green to power over from the scrum. Although Kerr missed the conversion, England led 15-6 with 25 minutes remaining.
A late tackle on Ben Coen allowed Kerr to add another three points, further cementing England’s position. France, back to full strength, attempted a comeback but were thwarted by England’s resolute defence.
Another penalty from Kerr extended the lead to 21-6 with 13 minutes to go. France managed a consolation try through Ferté in the final moments, converted by Reus, but it was too late. England celebrated a well-deserved 21-13 victory, securing their first U20 Championship title in eight years.
Source: www.englandrugby.com
ENGLAND’S U20 CHAMPIONSHIP RESULTS AND FIXTURES
England 21-13 France
England
Starting
15. Ioan Jones,14. Angus Hall, 13. Ben Waghorn, 12. Sean Kerr, 11. Alex Wills, 10. Ben Coen, 9. Ollie Allan, 1. Asher Opoku-Fordjour, 2. Craig Wright, 3. Afolabi Fasogbon, 4. Joe Bailey, 5. Junior Kpoku, 6. Finn Carnduff (c), 7. Henry Pollock, 8. Kane James
Replacements
16. James Isaacs, 17. Cameron Miell,18. James Halliwell, 19. Olamide Sodeke, 20. Arthur Green, 21. Lucas Friday, 22. Josh Bellamy, 23. Jack Bracken
France
Starting
15. Mathis Ferté, 14. Maxence Biasotto, 13. Fabien Brau-Boirie, 12. Robin Taccola, 11. Xan Mousques, 10. Hugo Reus (c), 9. Léo Carbonneau, 1. Lino Julien, 2. Barnabé Massa, 3. Thomas Duchêne, 4. Charly Gambini, 5. Timothé Mézou, 6. Joé Quere Karaba, 7. Geoffrey Malaterre, 8. Mathis Castro-Ferreira
Replacements
16. Thomas Lacombre, 17. Samuel Jean-Christophe, 18. Thomas Marceline, 19. Charles Kante Samba, 20. Brent Liufau, 21. Sialevailea Tolofua, 22. Mathys Belaubre, 23. Desperes
