By Tom Prosser
Wales’ hopes of winning the U20s Six Nations were dealt a big blow after they fell to a 36-19 defeat to France.
Cardiff Rugby’s Jacob Beetham scored a try in each half while Morgan Richards of the Dragons also went over for Wales on a sunny afternoon at Cardiff Arms Park.
But France were clinical in attack and ran in five tries to seal a bonus-point win.
Ioan Cunningham’s Welsh side have now suffered successive defeats and will want to bounce back strongly against England next Wednesday.
Both teams were forced into making late changes to their starting line-ups prior to kick-off.
For Wales, prop Theo Bevacqua came in to start the game due to an injury to Garyn Phillips.
Theo Ntamack, brother of France fly-half Romain and son of Emile, was brought in at No 8 for Les Bleus.
First blood in this match went to France.
Their early dominance was rewarded when back-row Matthias Haddad forced his way over from close range to score a try which captain, scrum-half and man of the match Nolann Le Garrec improved.
Wales then reacted well to this early blow.
The Wales half-backs combined magically to play in centre Eddie James who made a dangerous break which set up Beetham.
Jacob Beetham gets one back for @WelshRugbyUnion @FranceRugby @SixNationsU20 #SixNationsU20 pic.twitter.com/gT1Ik5GWrI
— Guinness Six Nations (@SixNationsRugby) July 1, 2021
Will Reed was successful with the conversion to level the scores.
Wales were then dealt an immediate setback as they were reduced to 14 men with skipper Alex Mann yellow carded for not being 10 metres back from a quick tap penalty.
France then made the most of their man advantage as they attacked to the right off a five-metre scrum.
Le Garrec gave the decisive pass to full-back Alexandre Tchaptchet who went over to give the French a 12-7 lead.
Nine minutes from half time France increased their lead to 12 points after Wales failed to react after kicking the ball out on the full.
France took the quick line-out and Louis Bielle Biarrey ruthlessly raced down the left wing to score what was a pivotal try.
Le Garrec then converted impressively from the touchline.
France now really started to take control of the game and scored their fourth try of the half on the 37th minute which sealed their bonus point.
Tchaptchet went over for his second try following another impressive back-line move which left the Welsh defence in trouble.
On the stroke of half time, Wales had their second player of the match sent to the sin bin.
This time it was the turn of James who was yellow carded for colliding with the airborne Tchaptchet.
Wales u20s having a tough time. Bit more direction from 10 needed.
— Nick (@nmb104) July 1, 2021
France took a handy 26-7 lead into the half-time break as a result.
With Wales trailing by 19 points, a strong start to the second half was paramount but France showed no signs of slipping up and continued to add to their tally.
They began the second 40 minutes with Le Garrec kicking a simple penalty which increased their lead to 22 points.
Shortly after they scored their fifth try of the match through fly-half Thibaut Debaes who made the most of some suspect Welsh defending to score by the posts.
In what turned out to be his last act of the game, the consistent kicker Le Garrec once again added the extras to give France a 36-7 lead.
A spirited Wales did not give up and scored their second try of the game through replacement Richards.
The ball was played left from a scrum and Richards dived over in the corner for a consolation try.
Morgan Richards scores for Wales! #SixNationsU20@WelshRugbyUnion @FranceRugby @SixNationsU20 pic.twitter.com/GoDBEuo41s
— Guinness Six Nations (@SixNationsRugby) July 1, 2021
Wales then finished with a flourish as the promising Beetham went over on his own patch for his second try of the game.
The reliable Sam Costelow then added the extras, but it couldn’t help Wales turn the tide.
