SportwayNews

England defeating France in Friday's World Rugby Under-20 Championship final in Cape Town would be "super special", says captain Finn Carnduff.

Mark Mapletoft's side, fresh off their Under-20 Six Nations victory in March where they triumphed over France in Pau, secured a thrilling semi-final win against Ireland to reach their first final since 2018.

England, who last clinched the tournament title in 2016, will face a formidable French team aiming for their fourth consecutive title after a decisive 55-31 victory over New Zealand in their semi-final.

Reflecting on the upcoming final, Carnduff expressed, "It is one of those things that you get asked and you don't really know what to say. It would be a huge honor and privilege, and to do it with this group of lads would be super special."

This marks England's first final appearance in six years, following a streak of six consecutive finals from 2013 to 2018.

Mapletoft credited the men's pathway staff for their dedication over the past few years, especially post-Covid, in rebuilding a competitive team. "It shows this year that we are able to compete with teams that have dominated Six Nations and Under-20 World Cups," he added.

Line-ups

England: Jones; Redshaw, Waghorn, Kerr, Wills; Coen, Allan; Opoku-Fordjour, Wright, Fasogbon, Bailey, Kpoku, Carnduff (capt), Pollock, James.

Replacements: Isaacs, Miell, Halliwell, Sodeke, Green, Friday, Bellamy, Hall.

France: Ferte; Biasotto, Brau-Boirie, Taccola, Mousques; Reus, Carbonneau; Julien, Massa, Duchene, Gambini, Mezou, Quere-Karaba, Malaterre, Castro-Ferreira.

Replacements: Lacombre, Jean-Christophe, Marceline, Kante-Samba, Liufau, Tolofua, Belaubre, Desperes-Rigou.