France and South Africa will contest the World Rugby U20 Championship title in Tbilisi on Saturday after both booked their places with contrasting semi-final wins in Georgia.
France edged New Zealand 26-22 in a tight semi-final, replacement Adrien Drault crossing in the 76th minute to settle a match the young All Blacks had led 22-20 heading into the closing stages. Gabin Garault scored twice for the French, who trailed for long periods before finishing the stronger side.
"I'm really happy because it was a really hard game against a great team," said France captain Lucas Andjisseramatchi.
New Zealand were left to rue the late concession. "It's a tough one to take and everyone's hurting right now," said captain Haki Wiseman.
The second semi-final was overshadowed by a red card. South Africa beat England 53-37, but the result was framed by the 32nd-minute dismissal of England flanker Seb Kelly for a headbutt on Junior Springboks full-back Luan Giliomee, who was on the ground at the time. England led 20-12 at the break before South Africa ran in a flurry of second-half tries against 14 men, extending their unbeaten run at the tournament to 10 matches.
"We managed to keep calm and get the win," said South Africa captain Siphosethu Mnebelele.
England, gracious in defeat, did not dwell on the sending-off. "South Africa are a great rugby nation and ran away with it," captain Connor Treacey said.
The incident drew heavy criticism. South African journalist Brenden Nel wrote: "Absolute stupidity by Seb Kelly for England. Rightly red carded for head butt on Luan Gillomee on the floor. Why do rugby players think they can get away with these things?"
Former Sunday Times writer Stephen Jones summed up the second half bluntly: "South Africa inflict a savaging on England in the JWC semi in Georgia."
Saturday's final at the Mikheil Meskhi Stadium pits the defending champions against a France side chasing their first junior world title since 2023. South Africa, who won the 2025 crown, have looked the tournament's form team, while France's resilience against New Zealand points to a tight contest.
Kelly, for his part, faces a disciplinary hearing that could carry a suspension beyond the tournament.
