France too Strong for England
In the first match of the Under-18 tournament, taking place in the Western Cape, France proved too big and too strong for England, winning 41-21, after leading 31-0 at half-time.
The England side is made up largely of Under-17 players whereas the French Rugby Federation bills their team as France Under-20 Development.
France scored inside the first minute of the match when England were penalised at a tackle and fullback Cheikh Tiberghien goaled. Three minutes later that became 10-0. Flyhalf Thomas Dolhagaray broke and gave an inside pass to flank Yann Peysson who scored the first try of the tournament.
England came close to scoring when burly hooker Alfie Barbeary charged at the posts, but he lost the ball forward and France cleared.
England attacked again but France came away. Erwan Dridi had a great run down the right. He gave inside to Romain Fusier who gave to Peysson who sent Yoram Falatea in for a try.
Martin Dulon on the other wing had a long run. Tackled near the line, he popped the ball to Tiberghien who scored a try, which he converted. Then just before half -time, Dolhagaray gave to Fusier who passed inside to Baptiste Germain who scored. 31-0, the half-time score.
In the first nine minutes of the second half, both teams scored tries.
France were penalised at a line-out maul. They tapped and powerful George Martin charged over for a try converted by flyhalf Tom Curtis.
France came back on the attack but Aselo Ikahehegi was held up over the line. from the subsequent scrum outside centre Falatea forced his way over. 36-7.
England scored the next two tries. France attacked and England won a turnover inside their own half. Away sped Josh Gillespie to score.
England were back attacking and from a five-metre scrum, scrumhalf Raphael Quirke picked up and darted on a diagonal to the posts to score. 36-21 with four minutes to play.
A minute later France attacked and played wide to Falatea who cut back and scored.
NB Rolling substitutions were allowed in this match.
For France:
Tries: Peysson, Falatea Moefana, Germain, Vili 2
Cons: Tiberghien 4
Pens: Tiberghien
For England:
Tries: Martin, Gillespie, Quirke
Cons: Curtis 2, Barton
Teams
France: 15 Cheikh Tiberghien, 14 Erwan Dridi, 13 Yoram Falatea Moefana, 12 Romain Fusier, 11 Martin Dulon, 10 Thomas Dolhagaray, 9 Baptiste Germain, 8 Thibaut Hamonou, 7 Matthias Haddad Victor, 6 Yann Peysson, 5 Adrien Warrion, 4 Gauthier Maravat, 3 Hugo Ndiaye, 2 Pierre Jutge (captain), 1 Elie Eglaine
Replacements: Sacha Lotrian, Sarragalet, Aselo Ikahehegi, Thomas Ployet, Kevin Noah, Kevin Viallard, Joris Moura, Tani Vili, Rémi Brosset, Joseph Laget, Wael May
England: 15 Louis Lynagh, 14 Josh Gillespie, 13 Lennox Anyanwu, 12 Josh Hallett, 11 Tom Roebuck, 10 Tom Curtis, 9 Callum Pascoe, 8 Nahum Merigan, 7 Jack Clement, 6 Harry Dugmore, 5 George Martin, 4 George Hammond,3 Harvey Beaton, 2 Alfie Barbeary, 1 James Whitcombe,
Replacements: 16 Sam Riley, 17 Rowan Mullis, 18 Jack Hughes, 19 Chunya Munga, 20 Fin Rossiter, 21 Raphael Quirke, 22 George Barton, 23 Phil Cokanasiga, 24 Jack Bates, 25 Will Haydon-Woo
Referee: Aimee Barrett-Theron (South Africa)
