Eight matches, four qualifiers and a huge amount of tension: the final round of U20 World Championship pool matches delivered its verdict on Tuesday. France, winners over Australia, will meet New Zealand in the last four, while England snatched qualification by two points against Argentina.

France in command of Pool D

By beating Australia 34-29 in the meeting of the unbeaten sides, Cédric Laborde’s men completed a perfect record: three wins from three and top spot in Pool D. Lucas Andjisseramatchi’s brace and tries from Melvyn Rates, Gabin Garault and Baptiste Tilloles made the difference against a Junior Wallabies side that came back to within five points at the finish. In the pool’s other match, Fiji snatched third place by beating Spain 29-26.

England v Argentina, the smash-and-grab of the round

The drama came from Pool C. Beaten by nobody else but caught at the worst possible moment, Argentina lost 40-38 to England in a 12-try match (six apiece). England, also unbeaten, take top spot in the pool and send the Pumitas home despite their having the best attack of the pool stage after three rounds (178 points scored), and despite the United States shipping 73-22 to Ireland a little earlier.

South Africa and New Zealand stroll through

No drama in the other two groups. South Africa closed out their pool stage with a third win, 52-33 against Wales, having scored 189 points in three matches, the best total of the tournament. New Zealand saw off Italy 45-15 to lock up Pool B, where Scotland took second place by beating Japan 43-32. In Pool A, hosts Georgia finished on a high by thrashing Uruguay 56-3.

France v New Zealand, the tie of the last four

The four pool winners, all unbeaten, meet in the semi-finals: South Africa, New Zealand, England and France. France take on the Baby Blacks, the most decorated nation in the age group, for a place in the final; the other semi-final pits South Africa against England. Dates and kick-off times will be confirmed by World Rugby.