Wales U20s thumped by France as captain suffers serious injury on grim night

There was more disappointment for Wales in the U20s Six Nations as they were thumped 45-12 by France in Cardiff.

The contest at Cardiff Arms Park was overshadowed by a serious-looking injury to Welsh captain Harri Ackerman inside the opening two minutes. The Dragons star was treated on the pitch after getting his leg caught under a French body in a tackle, before being carried off on a stretcher.

After that early blow, Wales soon found themselves behind as Xan Mousques crossed to open the scoring. While the hosts made their man advantage count through Josh Morse after France were then reduced to 14 men, it was Les Bleus who found themselves on top for the rest of the half, as they went into the break with the bonus point secured.

Three more second-half tries sealed a comfortable win for the visitors, although Macs Page’s well-taken try gave the Welsh fans something to cheer about.

In truth, neither side were at their best on a night that was rather stop-start at times. But France showed their attacking threat right from the off as a blistering move from the backs saw Mousques dive over in the corner to get them off the mark.

After the feisty Nathan Bollengier was shown a yellow card for a deliberate knock-on, Wales were quick to make their advantage count with Morse bundling over after a powerful drive off the back of a lineout.

But even with a man less, France were dominant and the Welsh defence couldn’t contain Joe Quere Karaba as he powered his way over the line. Prop Zinedine Aouad then dived over from close range before sealing a brace, and the bonus point try, just before the break.

Wales started the second-half more brightly and kept France at bay, but Sialevailea Tolofua soon cut through to score his side’s fifth. Page