FRANCE

Three-time reigning champions France will be hoping to do what only New Zealand have done before and win four U20s World Championships on the spin.
New Zealand won the first four editions between 2008-11, while France have tasted age-grade silverware in 2018, 2019 and 2023 following the Covid-19 enforced hiatus of the competition.
It’s clear France are continuing their golden generation but Sebastien Calvet’s side endured a disappointing Six Nations this term, finishing third, which included a 23-20 loss at home to Italy.
They would have felt aggrieved to throw...