A year ago, New Zealand shattered France’s dream in the semi-final. On Monday in Tbilisi, Georgia, France Under-20s took their revenge in the most nerve-shredding fashion. By winning 26-22 against the Baby Blacks, the young French side qualify for the 2026 U20 World Championship final.

Revenge, and only just

A year ago, this same New Zealand side ended France’s run in the last four. On Monday in Tbilisi, the young French repaid them in kind. At the end of a breathless contest, France Under-20s won 26-22 against the Baby Blacks and booked their place in the 2026 U20 World Championship final. It was the sixth time the two nations had met at this stage of the competition. This time, it was France who had the last word.

A start under pressure

France had made the ideal start by reclaiming the kick-off inside the New Zealand 22. But possession stayed with the Baby Blacks for long spells, and they imposed their tempo at the breakdown. That dominance told as early as the 7th minute with a Webber try, converted by Norrie. Far from falling apart, France responded through their signature weapon: the battle up front. In the 20th minute, a perfectly executed maul brought them level, before the match turned into trench warfare.

The pack, France’s backbone

It was on their forwards that the young French built this qualification. At the scrum, the French front row troubled a Baby Blacks side with a strong reputation in that area, winning precious penalties that kept France in touch at every turn. Behind, the half-backs sometimes felt the pressure, but the attitude never wavered. In a match that was tight from first to last, neither side managed to pull clear, and it took until the very last moments for the balance to tip.

Drault, the man for the closing stages

It needed a moment of inspiration to settle it. It came from Adrien Drault. In the closing minutes, at the end of a superb final move, he broke New Zealand’s hearts and won the match for his side. A finish in keeping with the character of this generation, capable of going out and taking a result that was far from guaranteed with ten minutes to play. The kind of ending that forges a team as much as it releases a squad.

A seventh semi-final, and a final to play

This qualification confirms the special place French development holds in this age group. It is the seventh consecutive time France U20 have reached the last four of the World Championship, a consistency few nations can claim. After a run of four straight finals, ended last year by this very New Zealand side, France are back in the last match of the tournament. They will face the winner of the other semi-final, between defending champions South Africa and England. Whoever the opponent, this France side will have a card to play in chasing a world title that has eluded them for too long.