France edge NZ in thrilling Junior World Championship semi-final

New Zealand under 20 v France Under 20:  Match Report

New Zealand Under-20s: 22 (Ethan Webber, Henry Stuart, Finn McLeod tries; Cohen Norrie 2 cons, Mika Muliaina pen)
France Under-20s: 26 (Gabin Garault 2, Elia Masi, Adrien Drault tries; Luka Keletaona 2, Diego Jurd cons)
HT: 12-14

Watch semi-final highlights: NZ U20 v France U20

France produce late moment of magic to reach final

A dramatic late try inspired by one of rugby’s most famous moments ended New Zealand U20s’ World Rugby Junior Championship campaign, with France claiming a 26-22 semi-final victory in Tbilisi, Georgia.

The finish carried echoes of the “try from the end of the world” scored by France’s senior side against the All Blacks at Eden Park in 1994, a moment that remains one of New Zealand rugby’s most memorable defeats.

In 1994, the French seniors scored a late, stunning, length-of-the-field try to shock the All Blacks at Eden Park, New Zealand’s last defeat in Auckland.

Three decades later, France produced their own moment of brilliance at the junior level. With three minutes remaining, France trailed 22-19 when they fumbled inside the New Zealand 22 and were cleared into their own quarter by a booming kick.

Despite an urgent chase from Logan Williams, Hugo Avogadro slipped past the stoic Sydenham Scot and rushed down the right touchline. New Zealand’s defence converged as Melvyn Rates loomed. The French winger took a pass and moved further infield, positioning Bordeaux centre Adrien Drault for the champagne finish.

It was a try few teams could manufacture, but one that reflected France’s ability to create something from nothing. Despite being Grand Slam Six Nations champions, their earlier form for 76 minutes gave little clue they were capable of such flamboyance. Three previous tries came from rolling mauls, the disappointment palpable for New Zealand captain Haki Wiseman.

Set piece battle shapes New Zealand U20 semi-final contest

The match was shaped by the strength of both teams’ set pieces, with discipline, territory and lineout execution proving decisive. France won all 16 lineouts while New Zealand secured 12 of 13. New Zealand hooker Josh Findlay has found 46 jumpers in the tournament, more than any other player. The penalty count favoured France 12-11 while New Zealand made one more turnover, 15-14.

New Zealand U20 maul delivers early rewards

New Zealand made an immediate impact through their forward pack, with their rolling maul again proving a potent weapon. Both sides shared rolling maul tries in the first half. Props Ethan Webber after seven minutes and Henry Stuart in the 27th minute scored for New Zealand, with sleight of hand shown by lock Max Fale and Findlay in the build-up. Stuart's try happened with Fale in the sin bin.

France’s forward pack keeps pressure on

France’s response came through their own imposing set-piece game, repeatedly applying pressure through their powerful maul. France were furiously blue-blooded, sometimes committing a dozen players to the push. Prop Elia Masi and La Rochelle hooker Gabin Garault scored tries.

The French scrum also created challenges for New Zealand, with Clermont giant Mathéo Frisach especially imposing. However, the introduction of fresh legs from the bench helped steady the contest.

New Zealand U20 show resilience under pressure

France’s powerful scrum created challenges for New Zealand, with Clermont giant Mathéo Frisach especially imposing. Summoning strength from the bench steadied New Zealand. In the 58th minute, Finn McLeod, back from injury, clattered over after a sustained build-up involving repetitive surges from Dane Johnston and Micah Fale.

But the threat of France remained constant. In the 61st minute, Caleb Woodley was sin-binned for dragging down a French drive. That allowed Garault to rumble over a minute later.

New Zealand showed their character when under pressure, producing some of their most enterprising rugby while down a player. Continuity improved and there was a fearless edge to the attack. Unfortunately, Micah Fale had a try scrubbed out following a Haki Wiseman knock-on after a prolonged assault.

Despite being forced to defend for long periods, France were increasingly stretched, with New Zealand’s attack building momentum late in the match. France, battling a tackle count of 172-66, were rattled. In the 72nd minute, Mika Muliaina nailed an epic 45-metre penalty that took New Zealand to the brink of the decider.

Proud campaign ends for New Zealand U20

The final moments belonged to France, who produced a piece of individual brilliance to secure their place in another final.

It wasn’t to be. France, in their seventh consecutive semi-final, squared the ledger against New Zealand in this tournament 4-4 with their outrageous last try.

For New Zealand, the result ended a spirited campaign that showcased the side’s resilience, set-piece strength and attacking ambition on the world stage.

The referee was George Selwood from England.

3rd v 4th play-off: New Zealand U20 v England U20 match details

The New Zealand U20 will play England U20 in the 3rd v 4th playoff, Sunday 19th July at 2am NZDT. Available to watch live on Sky Sport NZ.