The first day of the Under-20 World Cup was played this weekend in South Africa. If France, the title holder, held its place against Spain, Australia, South Africa and even Ireland showed their muscles.
There was not much suspense on this first day of the Under-20 World Cup in South Africa. In the six matches played this weekend, the winning teams won with the offensive bonus. Proof of the striking force of certain nations, but also of the real gap that exists between certain teams. Defending champion, France first asserted its status this Saturday, crushing Spain with ease. With a try in the third minute, the Bleuets immediately took the lead to roll out during the first period. The second period was less lively but it was with five points that Sébastien Calvet’s men entered their competition (49-12).
Berman voit triple
In the same pool, New Zealand challenged Wales. Twice in numerical superiority during the match, the Baby Blacks first took the score by a large margin, thanks in particular to a try from Pledger, a penalty try and a double from centre Xavi Taele. Led 13 to 34, the Welsh then responded by scoring two tries in the last ten minutes. Late achievements which allowed them to take a double bonus in the defeat (41-34). New Zealand will face France on Thursday, July 4, at 4:30 p.m.
In Pool B, spectators were treated to two one-sided matches. Ireland first outclassed Italy, allowing themselves to score 55 points on the heads of the young Azzurri who were overwhelmed. Despite having beaten France in the last U20 Six Nations Tournament, the Italians conceded eight tries, including four in the first half hour. In this match, Irish centre Sam Berman even scored a hat-trick in twenty minutes (final score 55-15). In the other match in Pool B, Australia had a scare against Georgia.
Australia shook
Winners 35 to 11, the Baby Wallabies nevertheless played fourteen against fifteen during the majority of the match, after the red card received by Harvey Cordukes in the 25th minute. Also, they were led with the try of Luka Suluashvili (14th). In the 50th minute, the score was even in favor of the Lelos (11-6). But the Australians finally cracked their opponents in the second half, thanks to back-to-back tries from Leahy and Ieli. Jarrah McLeod and Angus Staniforth (two personal tries) then added volume to the score, to allow the Australians to take the offensive bonus.
In Pool C, the local South Africans crushed Fiji (57-7). Unsurprisingly and despite a slightly late start, Jurenzo Julius’ teammates, who scored twice, rolled out their goals. They scored eight tries in the end. Anare Caginavanua saved the honour for Fiji. Finally, England surpassed Argentina (40-21). The winners of the last U20 Six Nations Tournament were able to count on their nugget Henry Pollockauthor of a try. Winger Jack Bracken scored a hat-trick.
