The wider public had last left the French U20s with the world titles won by the young shoots under the guidance of Sébastien Piqueronies. On Sunday, Cédric Laborde’s U20s landed the second Grand Slam of their young history since 2014. 

It had all started well at Chinnor on Saturday, with the U18s beating England 63-33, an incredible score. It continued at the Stade de France with the senior side winning 48-46, a second Six Nations in a row, a first since 2007.. What about the U20s? Winners against Ireland 50-21, Wales 34-24, Italy 32-17  and Scotland 45-26, there was the potential Grand Slam match to come at Marcel-Deflandre. Hot! Very hot! 

France U20 got into the game perfectly with a first try from Cazemajou as early as the 9th minute, converted by Keletaona, their dominance underlined by Rates’ try (15th), again converted by Keletaona! The young French side, bonus-point winners,  are following in the footsteps of their elders from the only U20 Grand Slam of 2014. 

And on it goes! 19th minute, try from Frier! And Keletaona converts, an incredible atmosphere in La Rochelle! 21-0 after less than 20 minutes. 

England hit back quickly on 21 minutes with a try from Offiah converted by Keylock (21-7, 21st). Blow for blow, France reply with a try from Cazemajou, who bags a brace on 26 minutes, the conversion missed. France lead 26-7. 

What followed? As breathless as the seniors’ match. A winning England maul, Staples scores and Keylock converts, 26-14 on 32 minutes. A penalty for England on the hooter, they turn down the points but go to hand and, after several phases, cross the line through Williams, which Keylock converts, 26-21 at half-time…

51st minute, it is becoming suffocating in La Rochelle, England have the chance to go in front after Liley’s powered-over try… converted by Keylock! France U20 are behind 26-28!

What next? The coaching, a long battle, a missed England kick at goal, a heroic French defence, all it takes is one ball, one opportunity… 71st minute, there it is… missed by Cazemajou.

10 minutes to play. And  release! 74th minute, kick to the corner and a try from Garrault and his whole side, stunning in their generosity, without the conversion (31-28). 

Worth noting: a first U20 win over England in 3 years. A success that validates French player development and the work of Cédric Laborde. This young France side enter history today by joining the class of 2014 on the Grand Slam roll of honour. Hats off.