Rugby: France U20s dominate New Zealand to reach fourth straight World Cup final
After largely beating New Zealand (55-31), the Blues will defend their world champion title, Friday 19 July (7pm), against England.
The Bleuets will defend their title as world champions for the fourth time in a row. Against New Zealand, who they lost in the group stage (26-27) ten days ago, the French U-20s this time clearly dominated the Baby Blacks (55-31). A final against England awaits the Bleuets, Friday 19 July at 7 p.m.
Five attempts in the first quarter of an hour
However, this second encounter between France and New Zealand gave way to a real festival. In the first quarter of an hour, five tries were scored. Joe Kerr-Carrabba (fourth), Charlie Gambini (seventh) and Matisse Castro Ferreira (fourteenth) for the Blues, against a penalty try (ninth) and a breakthrough from Dylan Pledger (sixteenth) for the Blacks. Then it was the foot of Hugo Ruiz (19th, 33rd) and a great try from Castro Ferreira (30th) that allowed France to return to the break with a twenty-point lead (34-14).
In the second half, the French did not relax their grip on the New Zealanders. Toulouse number 8 Matisse Castro-Ferreira scored his first hat-trick (45th). Despite attempts by King Maxwell (55), Aki Tuivailala (60) and Andrew Smith (67) for the Blacks, the Blues fought until the end to win 55-31, thanks to two more achievements by Matisse Verte (64) and Masjid Khan (71).
Furthermore, USAP left post Laurencio Boyer-Gallardo came on in the 48th minute instead of Samuel Jean-Christophe. Unfortunately, the Catalan received a yellow card two minutes after coming on for a foul against the play. At this time, the French received 10 points. No result!