Wales U20 downed in France

Wales U20’s defeat followed the defeat of Wales U19 30-19 in Sorgues, and came despite them taking a third minute lead through a Rhys Jones penalty. A try from Jean Huget redressed the balance temporarily before Jones kicked his second of the night to restore Wales’s advantage.

After that, France assumed almost total control with flanker and Captain Fulgent Ouedraodo helping himself to his side’s second unconverted try after fifteen minutes. Maxime Medard scored his side’s third try after twenty-five minutes with Francois Trin-Duc converting to extend that lead by a further two points.

A yellow card for Ken Owens, for stamping, after twenty-eight minutes further compounded Wales’s problems and when Gareth Maule went the same way for a high tackle, two minutes after the half-time interval, Wales found themselves in all sorts of bother.

Whilst the Dragons’ centre was licking his wounds in the sin bin France scored a further three tries to seal the spoils. Centre Arnaud Mignardi struck with the first, his side’s fourth, Medard added a fifth and left wing Jerome Palisson a sixth.

Wales did grab a consolation when Jamie Corsi was driven over for a try that was converted by Jones, but it was all too little too late with France rounding off a successful evening with a penalty from replacement Romain Sola.

Coach Dai Rees will be disappointed with the result, but with his side still eligible for U21 rugby next season, it was another invaluable game in their development.

U21 Six Nations

France U21 39 Wales U20 13

France
Tries: Huget, Medard (2), Ouedraodo, Mignardi, Palisson
Con: Trin-Duc (3)
Pen: Sola

Wales
Try: Corsi
Con: Jones
Pen: Jones (2)