France defeated Ireland 50-14 in South Africa in the World U20 Championship final yesterday evening (Friday, July 14).
Despite a strong start to the game for Ireland, France showed their quality and strength in the second half to run out comfortable winners.
Ireland couldn't have wished for a better start when Fintan Gunne's quick thinking from a penalty caught France by surprise with an early try.
The lead lasted until the 14th minute when Mathis Ferte scored an incredible team try to bring them level at 7-7. France then took the lead in the 22nd minute through a penalty from Hugo Reus.
Ireland were able to retake the lead in the 31st minute through John Devine, with Sam Prendergast converting to give them a 14-10 lead.
The lead didn't last long, however, as Posolo Tuilagi showed his strength before giving the ball to Lino Julien, with his try converted to give them a 17-14 lead.
It got worse for Ireland as the French power was taking a toll on the defence, with Paddy McCarthy sin-binned just before half-time for collapsing a maul.
France carried the momentum and had two further tries within the space of ten minutes in the second half through Pierre Jouvin and Nicolas Depoortere as they moved 31-14 ahead after 45 minutes.
Ireland had been unable to get back into the game since that disastrous opening to the second half, as France's physicality in the ruck and set-pieces has caused them trouble throughout the game.
They killed off any hope of a late Irish fightback, as Mathis Ferte scored his second try of the game with 10 minutes to go as they took advantage of an Ireland side under huge pressure.
France piled on further misery in the final moments, with two long-range tries to finish the game in style, with Lenni Nouchi and Leo Drouet ending the game in style as France claimed the U20 World Championship.
Written by Michael Bolton
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