Semi-final clash in Georgia
The New Zealand Under 20 team faced France in the semi-final of the Junior World Championship in Georgia. France secured a 26-22 victory with a try in the 76th minute, earning them a spot in the final. This result brought an end to New Zealand‘s campaign in the tournament.
New Zealand had advanced to the semi-finals after topping Pool B with three wins. Their pool stage victories included defeating Japan 38-21, Scotland 36-26, and Italy 45-15. France also progressed through pool play unbeaten, setting up a highly anticipated match between the two teams.
Match details and key moments
The match saw New Zealand make a strong start, with Ethan Webber scoring the opening try after seven minutes, which Cohen Norrie converted. However, France responded when prop Matheo Frisach scored a try in the 20th minute, converted by Luka Keletaona, levelling the scores.
New Zealand‘s Max Fale received a sin-bin for a high tackle shortly after France‘s first try. Despite being a man down, New Zealand regained the lead after 26 minutes when Josh Finley passed to Henry Stuart for a try. France‘s forwards then put their team back in front after 33 minutes with a lineout drive that led to a try from hooker Gabin Garault, converted by Keletaona.
After the break, New Zealand responded with a try from Finn McLeod, following involvement from Micah Fale, which Norrie converted. Caleb Woodley of New Zealand was later yellow-carded. During this period, France scored another try through Elia Masi, levelling the scores at 19-19. New Zealand believed they had scored a try after 66 minutes through Micah Fale, but the Television Match Official (TMO) identified a knock-on by Haki Wiseman.
Norrie kicked a long-range penalty, which appeared to be a potential match-winner for New Zealand. However, Adrien Drault scored a try for France in the 76th minute, securing the victory and leaving no time for New Zealand to recover. This try sealed France‘s 26-22 win.
Team selection and tournament context
Head Coach Kane Jury made five changes to the New Zealand Under 20 side that had defeated Italy in their final pool match. The starting forward pack remained unchanged, following a strong performance where New Zealand scored seven tries. David Lewai moved to the left wing, and Haki Wiseman returned to start in the midfield alongside Siale Pahulu.
Changes were also made to the bench, with Jackson Hughan returning as the reserve halfback and Logan Williams providing outside back cover. Kane Jury acknowledged the increased intensity of a semi-final match, stating that France is an outstanding side and a strong contender in the tournament. He emphasised the need for accuracy, discipline, and seizing opportunities.
The New Zealand Under 20 squad for the semi-final included players such as Henry Stuart, Josh Findlay, Ethan Webber, Max Fale, Jake Frost, Bradley Tocker, Caleb Woodley (vice-captain), Patrick Mauga, Charlie Sinton (captain), Mika Muliaina, David Lewai, Haki Wiseman, Siale Pahulu, Oliver Guerin, and Cohen Norrie. Reserves included Xavier Leota, James Moore, Dane Johnston, Finn McLeod, Micah Fale, Jackson Hughan, Logan Williams, and Kobe Brownlee. Johnny Falloon and Kele Lasaqa were unavailable due to injury.
France has a history of success in the tournament, having won three of the last five editions in 2018, 2019, and 2023. In another match, Italy defeated Georgia 43-19 in the ninth-place semi-final, with Mattia Andretti contributing 13 points.
The semi-final match between New Zealand and France was broadcast live on Sky, with kick-off at 2:00 am NZT on Tuesday, 14 July.
Source: rugbypass.com
