New Zealand Under 20s fall to France in Junior World Championship semi-final

July 13, 2026 4 min read

New Zealand downed by France in World Rugby Junior World Championship semi-final - Stuff

By Jack Thompson — 13 July 2026 — 4 min read

Semi-final defeat in Georgia

The New Zealand Under 20 team faced a heartbreaking defeat in the World Rugby Junior World Championship semi-final, losing 26-22 to France. The decisive moment came in the 76th minute when Adrien Drault scored a try for France, securing their place in the final. This match, held in Georgia, saw France continue their strong tournament performance, having won three of the last five tournaments in 2018, 2019, and 2023.

New Zealand had an impressive start to the match, with Ethan Webber opening the scoring after seven minutes from a driving lineout. Cohen Norrie successfully converted the try. However, France’s formidable forward pack quickly responded. Prop Matheo Frisach scored a try in the 20th minute from a rolling maul, which Luka Keletaona converted, leveling the score.

Shortly after, Max Fale, a Kiwi lock, received a yellow card for a high tackle on Lucas Andjisseramatchi. Despite being a man down, New Zealand managed to regain the lead in the 26th minute when Josh Finley set up Henry Stuart for a score. The French forwards, known for their strength, once again put their team ahead in the 33rd minute. Hooker Gabin Garault scored his fifth try of the tournament from a powerful lineout drive, with Keletaona adding the conversion.

Second half battle and late drama

The second half saw a tense battle, with New Zealand weathering French pressure for 18 minutes after the break. They then struck back when Micah Fale was instrumental in setting up Finn McLeod for a close-range try, which Norrie converted. The momentum shifted again when Caleb Woodley became the second New Zealand player to receive a yellow card. While he was off the field, the French pack capitalized, with Elia Masi scoring a try that brought the scores level at 19-19.

New Zealand believed they had taken a significant step towards the final in the 66th minute when Micah Fale appeared to score a try. However, the Television Match Official (TMO) identified a knock-on by Haki Wiseman, disallowing the score. Six minutes later, Norrie successfully kicked a long-range penalty, which seemed to be the match-winner. However, Drault’s late try for France ultimately sealed New Zealand’s fate, leaving them no time to recover.

In another match, Italy secured a 43-19 victory over hosts Georgia in the ninth-place semi-final. Mattia Andretti contributed 13 points for Italy, who overcame two yellow cards to score six tries in their comfortable win.

Team selection and tournament journey

Ahead of the semi-final, New Zealand Under 20 Head Coach Kane Jury had named his side, making five changes from the team that defeated Italy in the final pool match. The starting forward pack remained unchanged, following a strong performance against Italy that saw New Zealand score seven tries.

David Lewai moved to the left wing, while Haki Wiseman returned from concussion to start in the midfield alongside Siale Pahulu. Two changes were made to the bench, with Jackson Hughan returning as the reserve halfback and Logan Williams providing outside back cover. Jury had expressed confidence in the team’s growth throughout the pool stages, acknowledging the increased intensity of a semi-final match.

New Zealand had secured their place in the final four by topping Pool B with three wins from three matches. Their journey included victories over Japan (38-21), Scotland (36-26), and Italy (45-15). France also progressed through pool play unbeaten, setting up the highly anticipated semi-final clash. The match was broadcast live on Sky, with kick-off at 2:00 AM NZT on Tuesday, July 14.