South Africa have been in outstanding form at the World Rugby U20 Championship title and are on a lengthy unbeaten run. France have yet to lose a match in the tournament but have historically struggled against the Junior Boks at this level.
Baby Boks Look Hard to Stop
- South Africa have won 11 of their last 12 fixtures.
- South Africa have scored 242 points in 4 matches.
- France lost by 15 points to South Africa a few years ago.
France U20 Snuck Past Semi's
France scored a late converted try in the second half to emerge victorious in their World Rugby U20 Championship semi-final clash against New Zealand on Monday, winning 26-22 after leading 14-12 at the break.
Before that performance, Les Bleuets thumped Fiji 45-15 and Spain 57-32 before coming out on top 34-29 against Australia in their Pool D fixtures.
France have had an excellent year and tournament so far, but now face their toughest challenge yet in the defending champions, South Africa, who are on a lengthy unbeaten run and have scored 242 points in four matches.
South Africa U20 Rampant throughout Tournament
South Africa overturned a second-half deficit in the World Rugby Junior Championship semi-final match against England on Monday, winning 53-37 after trailing 20-12 at half-time.
Earlier in the tournament, the Junior Boks crushed Uruguay 104-7 in their opening fixture before beating hosts Georgia 33-5 and thumping Wales 52-33.
Defending champions South Africa have been in tremendous touch in the competition and are unbeaten in their last 12 matches, which includes an impressive 11 victories, giving them the edge to come out on top against France and win back-to-back World Rugby U20 Championship titles.
France vs South Africa U20 Squads & Team News
France
Forwards: Mathéo Frisach, Edouard Jabea-Njocke, Gabin Garault, Yanis Basse, Sacha Longchampt, Maël Turpin, Zak Price, Alexandre Langlois, Léo Michaux, Baptiste Veschambre, Alban Portat, Lucas Andjisseramatchi, Raphaël Audebert, Lilian Baret, Bobby Bissu, Roméo Bonnard-Martin, Elyjah Ibsaiene
Backs: Valentin Hutteau, Nathan Llaveria, Baptiste Tilloles, Diego Jurd, Luka Keletaona, Timéo Frier, Bastien Rasal, Diego Mascarenc, Quentin Valentino, Dylan Cazemajou, Tom Levêque, Melvyn Rates, Alex Guillaud
South Africa
Head coach Kevin Foote has stated that his team has prepared well for the upcoming final against France: “This group has been together since the beginning of the year and they understand the way we want to play. We’ve used this week to sharpen our readiness and focus on the areas where we felt we could improve.
“The pleasing aspect of this group is their honesty and accountability. The players are open with each other in their assessments, and together we’ve identified solutions and worked hard on those areas.
“We believe we have prepared well for what will be a massive challenge.
“France are a very formidable side and fully deserve their place in the final. Their performances in the recent Junior World Championship and the U20 Six Nations show that they understand how to perform when playing knockout rugby.”
Forwards: Oliver Reid, Rambo Kubheka, Jordan Jooste, Danie Kruger, Luan van der Berg, Siphosethu Mnebelele, Liam van Wyk, Heinrich Theron, Jaythen Orange, JD Hattingh, Kebotile Maake, Risima Khosa, Luke Cannon, Wasi Vyambwera, Vuyo Gwiji, Gert Kemp, Thomas Beling
Backs: Hendré Schoeman, Jayden Brits, Yaqeen Ahmed, Ethan Adams, Samuel Badenhorst, Markus Muller, Luan Giliomee, Khuthadzo Rasivhaga, Cheswill Jooste, Jack Benade, Jordan Steenkamp, Akahluwa Boqwana, Alzeadon Felix