France……………36 Fiji …………………20
FRANCE got their title defence off to a winning start, but it was far from a faultless performance against a Fiji side that looked at home at this level after a five-year absence.
France opened the scoring with just over a minute gone through full-back Donovan Taofifenua but Fiji, the World Rugby U20 Trophy 2018 winners roared back into the game with two penalties from flyhalf Caleb Muntz.
Mathieu Smaili added to his earlier conversion with a penalty.
Last year’s player of the tournament Jordan Joseph got on the end of a crossfield kick from Smaili to make it 15-6, but flanker Taniela Ramasibana barged over the line from close range and Muntz’sconversion brought his side within two points of Les Bleuets at the break.
France lost winger Ethan Dumortier to the sin-bin for a dangerous tackle on Emosi Tuqiri at the start of the second half but they survived the 10 minutes with their line intact and pulled further in front when No.9 Leo Coly darted under the posts.
Joseph crossed for his second try but Fiji hit back with a brilliant counterattack started and finished by Waqa for 29-20 with 12 minutes to play. However No.8 Joseph completed is hat-trick to earn France the victory.
Star man
Jordan Joseph – France
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