France vs New Zealand U20 Predictions - France to prevail against New Zealand in semi-final clash

Brad Newcomb

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Last updated: 1 hour ago

Brad Newcomb 1 hour ago

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France U20s on an 8-match winning streak and unbeaten in 2026.
New Zealand U20s have won 4 of their last 6 matches.
France tipped to cover -4.5 handicap in semi-final clash.

France are on a lengthy winning streak (Getty Images)

France have won all their pool fixtures at the 2026 World Rugby U20 Championship and are on a winning streak. New Zealand also won their group without losing a match.

France have won 8 consecutive games.
France have won 2 of their last 4 matches against New Zealand.
New Zealand have won 4 of their last 6 fixtures.

Head to Head

New Zealand have a slight edge over France, with four victories to three in seven meetings since 2015.

France U20 Form

France faced Australia in their final Pool D fixture, with a place in the 2026 World Rugby U20 Championship semi-finals on the line, coming out on top 34-29 after leading 22-12 at half-time.

Before that result, France successfully won their first two group games, thumping Fiji 45-15 and Spain 57-32.

Les Bleuets finished first in Pool D with 15 points from three games.

France will have the belief they can reach the World Rugby Junior Championship final for the fifth time, as they have yet to lose a match in 2026, giving them the edge over New Zealand.

New Zealand U20 Form

New Zealand had no trouble in their final World Rugby U20 Championship group stage match on Tuesday, beating Italy 45-15 after leading 26-10 at the break.

Earlier in the tournament, the Junior All Blacks were awarded a victory in their first match against Japan due to inclement weather after leading 38-21 before play was stopped in the second half. They subsequently defeated Scotland 36-26.

The Baby Blacks placed first in Pool B with 15 points from three matches.

New Zealand have yet to lose a fixture in this year's tournament, but they will have to play well to beat France to secure their place in the final, as their opponents are on an eight-match winning streak.

Team News

France

Lucas Andjisseramatchi scored a brace against Australia on Tuesday.

Melvyn Rates, Gabin Garault, and Baptiste Tilloles each crossed the try line in the match.

Luka Keletaona slotted two conversions and a penalty in the match, while Diego Jurd kicked over a conversion.

Forwards: Mathéo Frisach, Edouard Jabea-Njocke, Gabin Garault, Yanis Basse, Sacha Longchampt, Maël Turpin, Zak Price, Alexandre Langlois, Léo Michaux, Baptiste Veschambre, Alban Portat, Lucas Andjisseramatchi, Raphaël Audebert, Lilian Baret, Bobby Bissu, Roméo Bonnard-Martin, Elyjah Ibsaiene

Backs: Valentin Hutteau, Nathan Llaveria, Baptiste Tilloles, Diego Jurd, Luka Keletaona, Timéo Frier, Bastien Rasal, Diego Mascarenc, Quentin Valentino, Dylan Cazemajou, Tom Levêque, Melvyn Rates, Alex Guillaud

New Zealand

Bradley Tocker, David Lewai, Josh Findlay, Charlie Sinton, Lautasi Etuale, Cohen Norrie, and Siale Pahulu scored a try each against Italy.

Cohen Norrie kicked over two conversions, while Logan Williams slotted three.

Forwards: Alani Fakava, Josh Findlay, Xavier Leota, Alexander Hewitt, Dane Johnston, James Moore, Henry Stuart, Ethan Webber, Max Fale, Johnny Falloon, Jake Frost, Kobe Brownlee, Micah Fale, Jake Hutchings, Patrick Mauga, Bradley Tocker, Caleb Woodley

Backs: Jackson Hughan, Boston Krone, Charlie Sinton, Cohen Norrie, Mika Muliaina, David Lewai, Siale Pahulu, Triumph Voice, Haki Wiseman, Lautasi Etuale, Oliver Guerin, Kele Lasaqa, Logan Williams

Verdict

France v New Zealand U20

France are on a lengthy winning streak and are tipped to cover the -4.5 handicap in their World Rugby U20 Championship semi-final match against New Zealand.