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France storm to World Rugby Under-20 Championship title, England fourth

France thump Ireland to win the World Rugby Under-20 Championship for the third time, while England lose their third-placed match to South Africa.

France won the World Rugby Under-20 Championship for the third time running courtesy of a scintillating win over Ireland in Friday's final.

Les Bleuets - who won the tournament for the first time as hosts in 2018 before successfully defending their crown in 2019 - came from behind to post a dominant 50-14 success.

Fintan Gunne and John Devine crossed the line for Ireland before the break, but Richie Murphy's side faced a three-point deficit at half time and were torn to shreds in the second period.

Mathis Ferte had two tries to his name for France, while Hugo Reus posted six conversions and a penalty to deny Ireland - who also lost the 2016 final to England - a maiden title.

However, Mark Mapletoft's men did not end on a high note either, as England lost out 22-15 to host nation South Africa in their third-placed playoff just before France's success.

Tries from Craig Wright and Zach Carr were not enough to secure a podium finish for England, who succumbed to efforts from Hendrik Sieberhagen, Corne Beets and Juann Else as the Junior Springboks took the bronze medal for a record-extending ninth time.

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Ben Knapton

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