France U20 have failed in their bid to win back the world title. Up against New Zealand in the semi-final on Monday in Viadana, northern Italy, the young French side fell (34-26) despite a spell with a two-man advantage in the second half that they were unable to make count. Beaten in last year’s final by England, they bow out a little earlier this time around, a first since the 2017 edition of the U20 World Championship.

A New Zealand – South Africa final

“We had multiple chances to go in front in this match and we lacked precision with the final touch, rued head coach Cédric Laborde in the immediate aftermath at the microphone of broadcaster La Chaîne L’Équipe. We lost the pressure battle too, they managed the end of the game far better than we did. It’s a shame, I’m disappointed for the group”.

Having seen off the French, the Baby Blacks will play South Africa for the title on Saturday, the South Africans having disposed of Argentina in the other semi-final (48-24). A 100% southern hemisphere final, something this competition had not seen since 2012.