England ended their eight-year drought in the World Rugby U20 Championship, overpowering France 21-13 in a hard-fought final in Cape Town on Friday.

The 8 year wait is over! 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿@EnglandRugby have won the #WorldRugbyU20s Championship! 🏆#ENGvFRA pic.twitter.com/ww8aqPolc0

— World Rugby (@WorldRugby) July 19, 2024

The victory halted France’s quest for a record-equalling fourth consecutive U20 title and gave England their fourth championship overall, moving them level with France as the second most successful team in the tournament’s history behind New Zealand.

In a match dominated by forward play, England’s physicality proved too much for the French to handle. The first half was a tense affair, with Hugo Reus putting France ahead with an 11th-minute penalty. England struggled to convert their territorial advantage into points, with Sean Kerr missing two penalty attempts.

The deadlock was finally broken in the 36th minute when England launched a lineout strike move. The forwards and backs combined well before second-row Joe Bailey powered over from close range. Kerr added the conversion to give England a 7-3 lead.

Reus narrowed the gap to one point with a penalty just before half-time, but the second half saw England take control of the contest. Five minutes after the restart, France lost number eight Mathis Castro Ferreira to the sin-bin, allowing Kerr to extend England’s lead with a penalty.

The decisive moment came when impact substitute Arthur Green rumbled over for England’s second try. Kerr’s boot kept the scoreboard ticking over with two more penalties, putting the game beyond France’s reach.

CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA – JULY 19: Arthur Green of England U/20 scores a try during the Final match between France and England on 19 July 2024 during the U20 Championship held at Cape Town Stadium in Cape Town, South Africa. (Photo by Nic Bothma/World Rugby)

Les Bleuets managed a consolation try through Mathis Ferte in the game’s final play, but it was too little too late. England’s dominant performance, particularly at scrum time, laid the foundation for their victory.

England head coach Mark Mapletoft praised his team’s resilience and execution: “The boys stuck to the game plan brilliantly. We knew we had to dominate up front and they delivered when it mattered most.”

For France, it was a disappointing end to their impressive run in the tournament. Head coach Sébastien Calvet acknowledged England’s superiority on the day: “England were very strong physically. We struggled to match their intensity, especially in the second half.”

The victory marks a return to the top for England at this level, having last won the title on home soil in 2016. It also continues their strong year in age-grade rugby, following their U20 Six Nations triumph earlier in 2024.

Openside flanker Henry Pollock, who had stood out throughout the tournament, was once again immense. His work at the breakdown and in defence disrupted French attacks and provided crucial turnovers.

CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA – 19 JULY, 2024: Henry Pollock of England U/20 during the final between England U20 and France U20 on 19 July, 2024 during match day four of the U20 Championship held at DHL Stadium in Cape Town, South Africa. (Photo by Carl Fourie/World Rugby)

The English front row, featuring Asher Opoku-Fordjour, Craig Wright, and Afolabi Fasogbon, deserves special mention. Their dominance in the scrum provided a platform for victory and consistently put France on the back foot.

As the celebrations begin for England, they will hope this success can be a springboard for future achievements at both U20 and senior levels. For now, they can savour ending France’s dominance and reclaiming their place at the summit of U20 rugby.

New Zealand’s Under-20s team overcame a sluggish start to secure a 38-24 victory over Ireland in the World Rugby U20 Championship bronze medal match at DHL Stadium in Cape Town. The win marks New Zealand’s best finish in the tournament since their last title in 2017.

🇳🇿 @NZRugby cap off their #WorldRugbyU20s campaign in style after securing a 3rd place finish! 👏#IREvNZL pic.twitter.com/8nACoe05q5

— World Rugby (@WorldRugby) July 19, 2024

In challenging weather conditions at DHL Stadium in Cape Town, New Zealand’s Under-20s team overcame both the elements and a sluggish start to secure a 38-24 victory over Ireland in the World Rugby U20 Championship bronze medal match. As the teams returned for the second half, they were met with a sudden deluge that sent spectators scurrying for cover, adding an extra layer of difficulty to an already intense contest.

The match began under overcast skies, with Ireland asserting dominance and racing to a 12-0 lead in the first half. Scrum-half Oliver Coffey opened the scoring in the 11th minute, capitalizing on a period of Irish pressure near the New Zealand line. Jack Murphy, son of Ulster coach Richie, extended the lead with a try in the 32nd minute, showcasing his pace to finish in the corner after a brilliant break from fullback Ben O’Connor.

However, the tide began to turn just before halftime. With Ireland’s Bryn Ward in the sin-bin, New Zealand captain Vernon Bason burrowed over for a try in the 37th minute, reducing the deficit to 12-5 at the break.

The second half saw a complete transformation in New Zealand’s performance. Despite losing winger Frank Vaenuku to a yellow card early in the half, the Baby Blacks unleashed a devastating 38-point unanswered run.

Centre Aki Tuivailala emerged as a key playmaker, setting up tries for Xavi Taele and Bason within minutes of each other. Replacement Jeremiah Avei-Collins then powered through multiple defenders for a try that put New Zealand firmly in control.

Vaenuku redeemed himself with two late tries, the first coming from an expertly placed cross-kick by Taele. Rico Simpson’s boot was crucial, adding four conversions to extend New Zealand’s lead.

Ireland showed resilience in the dying minutes, with Ethan Graham and Sean Naughton crossing for consolation tries. However, it was too little too late to affect the outcome.

New Zealand’s captain Vernon Bason, who scored two tries, reflected on his team’s turnaround: “We knew we had the ability, it was just about executing in that second half. The boys really stepped up when it mattered.”

The victory highlights New Zealand’s depth and ability to perform under pressure, as they overcame both the weather conditions and a determined Irish side. For Ireland, despite the disappointment, their fourth-place finish represents a strong showing in the tournament.

This bronze medal adds to New Zealand’s impressive record in the U20 Championship, where they have now won 56 of their 70 tournament matches. The result also cements their status as the most successful team in the competition’s history, scoring over 400 tries across all tournament editions.

The 2024 World Rugby U20 Championship reaches its climax on Friday as France and England clash in the final at DHL Stadium in Cape Town. This highly anticipated match pits France, the defending champions and winners of the last three tournaments, against England, the Six Nations champions. Both teams have showcased their prowess throughout the competition, setting the stage for what promises to be an enthralling finale to determine the world’s best U20 rugby team.

Teams

CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA – 14 JULY, 2024: Lino Julien of France U/20 celebrates their win during the match between France U20 and New Zealand U20 on 14 July, 2024 during match day three of the U20 Championship held at DHL Stadium in Cape Town, South Africa. (Photo by Carl Fourie/World Rugby)

France have made two changes to their starting XV from their semi-final victory over New Zealand. Xan Mousques replaces the injured Hoani Bosmorin on the left wing, while Thomas Duchene returns at tighthead prop, allowing Lino Julien to switch to his preferred loosehead position.

FRANCE XV:
1. Lino Julien, 2. Barnabe Massa, 3. Thomas Duchene, 4. Charly Gambini, 5. Corentin Mezou, 6. Joe Quere Karaba, 7. Geoffrey Malaterre, 8. Mathis Castro Ferreira; 9. Leo Carbonneau, 10. Hugo Reus; 11. Xan Mousques, 12. Robin Taccola, 13. Fabien Brau-Boirie, 14. Maxence Biasotto; 15. Mathis Ferte.

Replacements:
16. Thomas Lacombre, 17. Samuel Jean-Christophe, 18. Thomas Marceline, 19. Charles Kante Samba, 20. Brent Liufau, 21. Sialevailea Tolofua, 22. Mathys Belaubre, 23. Axel Desperes-Rigou.

CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA – JULY 4: England players during the match between England and Fiji on 4 July 2024 during the U20 Championship held at Athlone Stadium in Cape Town, South Africa. (Photo by Thinus Maritz/World Rugby)

England have made two alterations to their team that defeated Ireland in the semi-finals. Kane James starts at No. 8 in place of Nathan Michelow, while Ben Waghorn returns at outside centre, with Angus Hall moving to the bench.

ENGLAND XV:
1. Asher Opoku-Fordjour, 2. Craig Wright, 3. Afolabi Fasogbon, 4. Joe Bailey, 5. Junior K’poku, 6. Finn Carnduff (capt), 7. Henry Pollock, 8. Kane James; 9. Ollie Allan, 10. Benjamin Coen; 11. Alex Wills, 12. Sean Kerr, 13. Ben Waghorn, 14. Ben Redshaw; 15. Ioan Jones.

Replacements:
16. James Isaacs 17. Cameron Miell 18. James Halliwell 19. Olamide Sodeke 20. Arthur Green 21. Lucas Friday 22. Josh Bellamy 23. Angus Hall

Form

CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA – 14 JULY, 2024: Mathis Ferte of France U/20 during the match between France U20 and New Zealand U20 on 14 July, 2024 during match day three of the U20 Championship held at DHL Stadium in Cape Town, South Africa. (Photo by Carl Fourie/World Rugby)

France entered the tournament as favourites but had an inconsistent pool stage, losing to New Zealand before securing their semi-final spot as the best runners-up. However, they emphatically avenged that defeat with a 55-31 victory over New Zealand in the semi-finals, showcasing their attacking flair and championship pedigree.

England have been more consistent, winning all four of their matches en route to the final. They topped their pool with victories over Argentina, Fiji, and South Africa before overcoming Ireland 31-20 in a hard-fought semi-final.

History

France celebrating lifting the World Rugby U20 Championship trophy at the Stade de la Méditerranée in Béziers on 17 June. Photo: Steve Bardens – World Rugby/World Rugby via Getty Images.

This will be the second time France and England have met in a U20 Championship final, with France winning 33-25 in 2018. Overall, the teams have met six times in the tournament, with three wins apiece. Their most recent U20 Championship encounter saw France triumph 52-31 in last year’s semi-finals.

However, England hold the edge in their most recent meeting, having beaten France 45-31 in Pau to clinch the U20 Six Nations title earlier this year.

Players to watch

For France, keep an eye on fly-half Hugo Reus, who has been instrumental in their success. Reus is the tournament’s top points scorer with 49 and will be looking to guide his team to a fourth consecutive title. The 20-year-old Stade Rochelais player has already established himself in the senior squad, featuring in all four of their Investec Champions Cup pool games last season. In the pack, number eight Mathis Castro-Ferreira has been a standout, scoring four tries in the tournament, including a hat-trick against New Zealand.

ATHLONE, SOUTH AFRICA – 9JULY, 2024: Afolabi Fasogbon of England U/20 celebrates during the match between SA U20 and England U20 on 9 July, 2024 during match day three of the U20 Championship held at Athlone Stadium in Athlone, South Africa. (Photo by Carl Fourie/World Rugby)

England’s success has been built on a dominant scrum, with props Asher Opoku-Fordjour and Afolabi Fasogbon key to their set-piece superiority. Opoku-Fordjour has already made his Investec Champions Cup debut with Sale Sharks. England captain Finn Carnduff has also been a crucial leader for the team throughout the tournament. The young Leicester Tigers’ leadership and experience have been vital in guiding England through this high-pressure final. In the backs, centre Sean Kerr has been a consistent threat, contributing 33 points in the tournament so far, the third-highest in the competition.

Experience

France’s squad has significantly more top-level club experience, with nine starters having played in Top 14 or Pro D2 this season. In contrast, England’s players have less high-level exposure. Only seven English players share approximately 34 Premiership/Top 14/European appearances in 2023/24, with most of that exposure coming from the bench. However, Finn Carnduff and prop Asher Opoku-Fordjour have played at the highest European level in the Investec Champions Cup this season, with Carnduff for Leicester Tigers and Opoku-Fordjour for Sale Sharks.

Prediction

CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA – JUNE 29: Alberto Carmona of Spain U/20 tackles Leo Carbonneau of France U/20 during the 2024 U20 Championship match between France U/20 and Spain U/20 held at Cape Town Stadium in Cape Town, South Africa. (Photo by Shaun Roy/World Rugby)

This final is too close to call, with both teams capable of lifting the trophy. France’s experience in high-pressure situations and recent dominance in this tournament give them a slight edge. However, England’s forward power and the momentum they’ve built throughout the competition make them dangerous opponents. Expect a high-scoring affair, with France’s attacking flair just edging out England’s set-piece dominance.

How to watch the match?

The World Rugby U20 Championship final between England and France is set to kick off at 18:00 BST (19:00 local time) on Friday, July 19, at the DHL Stadium in Cape Town, South Africa. Rugby fans can catch all the action live on RugbyPass TV, which will be streaming the match in countries that don’t have an exclusive local host broadcaster deal.

What else is happening?

The World Rugby U20 Championship final day features several crucial play-off matches alongside the England vs France final. Ireland and New Zealand will battle for the bronze medal in the 3rd Place Play-off, while Australia faces Argentina in the 5th Place Final. The hosts, South Africa, aim to salvage some pride against Wales in the 7th Place Play-off. Italy and Georgia clash for 9th place, both looking to secure their future in the elite tournament. Finally, in a crucial relegation play-off, tournament debutants Spain face Fiji, with the winner retaining their place in next year’s U20 Championship and the loser facing relegation to the U20 Trophy competition.