Pool A: Wales – New Zealand: 26-27
In the same pool as the France U20 team, New Zealand, next opponent of the Bleuets (Thursday 29 at 1:30 p.m.), faced Wales, dead last in the 2023 VI Nations Tournament, with five defeats in as many of matches. The meeting was, however, much more balanced than one might think.
The Welsh managed to thwart the “Baby Blacks” throughout the first period and even led 19-5 at the break. But the New Zealanders, who could no longer find the keys and overused the passes in the first period, recovered in the second, scoring three tries in twenty minutes, carried by their once again conquering scrum. Despite a last thrill caused by the 4th Welsh try in the 79th. But a final Welsh mistake put an end to all hope.
Pool B: Ireland-England: 34-34
England, three-time U20 world champions, and Ireland, the last winner of the U20 Six Nations Tournament, faced off in Pool B. Like their elders, the Irish were formidable near the lines, concluding in force (22nd, 40 +1e) their offensives, but also creative like this try scored by Ruadhán Quinn in the 57th, on receiving a diagonal kick.
But the English were able to get back into the game after being dominated and scored the last of nine tries in the game, by Jacon Cusick in the 70th, to equalize at 34-34. A result which did not fully satisfy either of the two teams, who nevertheless each pocketed 3 points (the 2 points from the draw and the point from the offensive bonus). Points that could count in the race for the best second place (the best 2nd of the three pools is qualified with the first three for the semi-finals).
Pool B: Australia-Fiji: 46-37
Very spectacular match, certainly the most beautiful of this first day, between Australia, finalist in 2019 at the last U20 World Cup and Fiji, always faithful to their rugby player.
The promise of the show was fulfilled since eleven tries were scored, seven for the Australians, four for the Fijians who thought they had pulled off the feat, leading 37 to 29 with a quarter of an hour remaining. But Australia was able to score two tries in quick succession, between the 67th and the 69th, with in particular a magnificent tumble from their winger Darby Lancaster. Lots of play, movement and flair in this encounter.
Group C: Argentina – Italy: 43-15
In Pool C, it was too hard for the young Italians, at 14 in the 15th minute, after the expulsion of their left prop Destiny Aminu. However, it was the Italians who scored first with an exceptional try by Dewi Passarella, in the 21st minute, overflowing the entire opposing defense.
But Argentina’s reaction was swift, with Juan Bautista Baronio scoring in the closed four minutes later. The young Pumas scored two more tries before the break against an exploding Nazionale, outnumbered. She finally lost, 43 to 15 and six tries to two.
Group C: South Africa – Georgia: 33-23
Victory not so simple as that for the young Springboks, against the Georgians. They had to wait until the 7th minute to open their counter, with a clever little kick over Katlego Letebele for himself. But the young Lelos reacted immediately with a pick-and-go try from Tsikhistavi in the 14th minute.
If the South Africans finally won this first match, it was at the cost of a final try from Ethan Hooker in the 73rd, finally allowing them to take shelter. They will face the Italians next Thursday (4 p.m.), while the Georgians will meet Argentina at 4:30 p.m.
