France Under-20 beat South Africa Under-20 20-12 in Châteauroux, signaling momentum ahead of the Stade de France showdown.

Luka Keletaona stood out with accurate kicking, helping keep France level until the decisive moments.

In the second half, Keletaona added a penalty to put France ahead, and Lindsey Jansen was sin-binned for illegal play, allowing France to extend their lead with Quentin Valentino’s try.

Keletaona sealed the match for France with a second penalty after South Africa infringements at the breakdowns, finalizing the 20-12 result for France.

South Africa started strongly as Siphosethu Mnebelele scored from a lineout maul, with Vusi Moyo adding the conversion to lead 7-0.

The French juniors trailed at halftime 7-7 after a tense first half marked by a struggling scrum but solid Bleuets defense.

Physical contests and resilience defined the match, with France sealing the win and offering inspiration for their senior squad.

France maintained pressure and a 10-point lead before Kebotile Maake’s try for SA cut the margin to five, though a later miss by Luan Giliomee preserved France’s advantage.

Liam Couturier added a second-half try for France, regaining a lead they would hold amid a late South African push.

France U19 defeated SA U19 Academy 20-12 in a hard-fought opener in Châteauroux, setting a strong tone ahead of the senior clash.

France responded to a close first half by scoring a maul try through Edouard Jabea Njocke and a Luka Keletaona conversion to level at 7-7.