England claim U20 World Rugby Championship

Joe Bailey and Arthur Green touched down as England powered their way to a 21-13 victory over France to win the World Rugby Under-20 Championship final in Cape Town.

England led 7-6 at the break after a hugely competition 40 minutes during which French flair and English power were very much to the fore.

An error-strewn first half was bookended by two Hugo Reus' penalties either side of lock Bailey’s try, with centre Sean Kerr, who had earlier hit a post with a penalty attempt before miscuing another, adding the conversion.

However, Mark Mapletoft’s men, who were dominant in the tight but misfired repeatedly at the lineout, had earlier enjoyed an escape when France full-back Mathis Ferte had a fine try ruled out for a knock-on earlier in the move.

Impressive France number 8 Mathis Castro Ferreira received a yellow card for a high challenge on flanker Henry Pollock five minutes into the second half and, by the time he returned, his side were trailing 15-6 after a Kerr penalty and Green’s unconverted try.

Six more points from Kerr’s boot further extended England’s lead as a much-improved display after the break saw French hopes of lifting the title for the fourth successive time evaporate, despite Ferte’s late try, which was converted by Reus.

Meanwhile, Ireland lost their bronze medal play-off 38-24 to New Zealand.

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