On February 7, 2025, the France U20 rugby team faced off against their English counterparts at Recreation Park in Bath, only to be defeated with a score of 27-10 during the second round of the Six Nations tournament. The defeat is particularly bitter for the young French players, who had set their hopes on achieving the coveted Grand Chelem, which they last captured in 2014.
This match was steeped in significance as the French squad sought revenge against England for their previous defeat just six months prior, during the World Cup. At stake was not only national pride but the chance to establish themselves firmly as contenders for the title.
The match began under typical rainy conditions for Bath, and the French team struggled right out of the gate. Within the first thirty minutes, they found themselves on the back foot, conceding two tries: the first from Kane James shortly after the whistle, and the second awarded as a penalty try, resulting from persistent pressure on the French pack. France's situation worsened when Baptiste Britz received a yellow card, reducing the team to 14 men.
By the time they reached the 30-minute mark, England was leading 17-3 after another successful penalty kick. The relentlessness of the English forwards was evident, pressuring the French defense consistently. Yet, as the first half progressed, France began to show resilience. Britz returned from his sin bin just before scoring his own try at the 34th minute, dashing over the line to narrow the deficit to 17-10 after Diego Jurd successfully converted.
Despite this glimmer of hope, the French team was far too penalized, with eight penalties awarded against them during the first half alone. Although trailing by just seven points at halftime, the French players found it increasingly difficult to maintain composure and discipline.
The second half began disappointingly, with Edouard-Junior Jabea Njocke picking up another yellow card almost immediately after entering the fray. This left France struggling to maintain parity as they found themselves with just 13 players on the field and facing the relentless English attack.
Despite England's inability to capitalize fully at this point, they maintained control. Ben Coen kicked another penalty to extend the lead to 20-10 midway through the second half, leaving France's chances of comeback hanging by a thread. The lack of discipline from the French side continued to haunt them, as Sialevailea Tolofua also saw yellow, reducing the side to just 13 men and pushing them to the brink.
Frustration mounted for the French team, compounded by injuries, particularly affecting the fly-half position with Diego Jurd forced off due to knee issues. Yet, even as the time wound down, the French desperately tried to breach the English defense, which, albeit limited, held firm against the sporadic established attacks.
With the match approaching its conclusion, England caught France on the counter-attack, sealing their victory with another try from Dom Hanson. The final score read 27-10, encapsulated by pragmatism from the English and missed opportunities for the French.
The defeat signals significant lessons for the young French side, highlighting their need to improve discipline and seize scoring chances more effectively. The team now shifts its focus to their next fixture against Italy, where they must regroup and aim to salvage their tournament hopes. French rugby fans remain hopeful for their progression, recalling the recent triumphs and the possibilities lying within this talented generation of players.