There is no room left for calculation. On Monday at 4pm, at the Avchala Stadium, France Under-20s take on New Zealand in the World Championship semi-final. The winner plays for the title. Two unbeaten sides, one place available.

Two unbeaten sides for one place in the final

The scene is set: two teams arrive in the semi-final without a single defeat. France cruised through Pool D, and New Zealand did the same in Pool B. All of which promises a very high-class tie for a place in the U20 World Championship final.

France’s perfect route

Cédric Laborde’s men have left nothing to chance. An opening win over Fiji (45-15), an attacking demonstration against Spain (57-32), then the meeting of the unbeaten sides won against Australia (34-29) to finish top of Pool D. Three matches, three wins, and an attack running at full tilt, driven in particular by tries from Gabin Garault and Matheo Frisach. Ideal momentum before the biggest fixture of the lot.

The Baby Blacks, the tournament’s bogey team

Opposite them, France will have to raise their game. New Zealand, the most decorated nation in the age group’s history, have also come through unbeaten: 38-21 against Japan, 36-26 against a stubborn Scotland, then 45-15 against Italy. The Baby Blacks arrive with their usual reputation and power, and are surely the most formidable opponent France could have found in their path.

An opponent within France’s reach

There is still every reason to believe. Recent French age-group sides have learned not to fear the Baby Blacks at this level, France having beaten New Zealand U20 during their title-winning campaign of 2023. To reach the final, France will have to repeat that kind of feat, leaning on the solidity of their pack and the efficiency of their attacking line.

Kick-off on Monday at 4pm. One win, and France will be eighty minutes from a world title.