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France U20s book final spot after subduing England
By Ian Cameron
France U20s produced a remarkable comeback to book a World Rugby U20 Championship Final berth by dispatching England in Cape Town on Sunday.
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The match began with Mark Mapletoft’s English side asserting their dominance, scoring two tries in quick succession during the opening quarter.
Fly-half Louie Johnson kicked an early penalty to put England on the scoreboard, followed by full-back Sam Harris darting into the corner after an inside pass from captain Lewis Chessum. Alex Wills, a late addition to the starting lineup, bulldozed his way past Théo Attissogbé to secure England’s second try in the same area just a minute later.
The first half was a whirlwind of action, played at an extraordinary pace. France swiftly responded with a try of their own, courtesy of Mathis Ferté, who showcased remarkable footwork as he danced his way into the corner.
Despite having a try disallowed for a forward pass, Les Bleuets came close to scoring again, but captain Lenni Nouchi fumbled the ball while attempting to go over the top of a ruck from a meter out. However, Paul Costes dashed under the posts moments later, taking advantage of England’s failure to clear the ball and narrowing the gap to three points.
Chandler Cunningham-South bulldozed his way over the try line from a five-meter lineout, extending England’s lead to ten points as the first half drew to a close.
The tides turned in the second half when France opened the scoring with a penalty try seven minutes in. England’s replacement second-row Finn Carnduff was sin-binned for collapsing a French maul, with France having been denied a try when held up over the line.
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Nouchi made amends for his missed opportunity in the first half by crashing over from close range, capitalizing on France’s numerical advantage and seizing the lead for the first time in the match. The Mastercard Player of the Match, Mark Gazzotti, extended France’s newly acquired lead just three minutes later, taking advantage of England’s reduced numbers.
With just over half an hour remaining, France held an 11-point lead.
As both teams began to tire, the intense pace of the game diminished, creating openings for both sides.
France’s back-row player Oscar Jegou was the first to exploit the spaces, crossing the try line in the 65th minute after Nouchi pierced through England’s defensive line. With only six minutes remaining, Hugo Reus spun his way over the line after the French scrum won the ball against the head.
In the dying moments of what was a relentless encounter, England’s Cassius Cleaves managed to score a consolation try, while Jegou’s second try for France was disallowed due to a foot in touch during the lead-up.
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Hugo Reus concluded a perfect night for France by slotting a penalty on the final whistle.
They will face Ireland, who beat South Africa earlier in the day.
Great game to watch. I hope England's seniors were watching because the dangers of kicking to a class team who play it through the hands was laid bare. Bracken played well generally but his box kicking just fed the French boys as did most of the kicking. The French generally kept possession and had the power, speed and skills to exploit it. Borthwick has sent their running scrum half, Mitchell, home.
A very promising performance after a disappointing 6N.
wow