Spirited Wales U20s edged out by France in Cardiff

U20 Six Nations

Wales (17) 24

Tries: S Davies, Howe, Emanuel Cons: Leggatt-Jones 3 Pen: Leggatt-Jones

France (15) 34

Tries: T Kelataona, L Kelataona, Senga Kouo, Garault, Cazemajou Cons: L Kelataona 3 Pen: L Kelataona

Wales suffered another agonising late defeat in the Under-20s Six Nations after France edged to victory at Cardiff Arms Park.

Les Bleuets continued a winning streak against the Welsh youngsters that goes back to 2020, but it was tight despite the hosts ending with nothing to show for their efforts.

Just as they did at England in round one, Wales led at half-time thanks to tries by scrum-half Sion Davies and hooker Tom Howe plus seven points from the boot of fly-half Carwyn Leggatt-Jones.

In Northampton they had a 16-point advantage but in Cardiff it was a more slender 17-15 with all the French scores coming from the Keletaona brothers Luke and Tana.

France hit the front through Joachim Senga Kouo only for Steffan Emanuel to ensure that Wales had the lead in the final quarter.

Les Bleuets, who thrashed Ireland on opening weekend, got their fourth try against the run of play through hooker Gabin Garault and a clincher through wing Dylan Cazemajou.

With Welsh Rugby Union chief executive Abi Tierney and elite performance director Dave Reddin among the watching dignitaries in a crowd of 4,824, Wales' next generation gave another glimpse of promise in uncertain times.

Just as they did when beating Ireland and England in the 2025 tournament, Richard Whiffin's spirited side got under the skin and rattled their more-fancied visitors.

Wales started fast and were 14-0 up inside 17 minutes thanks to tries by Cardiff players on their home ground.

Davies went over after a break by full-back Rhys Cummings and then very promising front-row prospect Howe finished powerfully from close range.

France responded with a strong charge off the back of a five-metre scrum by Tana Keletaona in the 21st minute.

Luke Keletaona converted only for Carwyn Leggatt-Jones to swiftly add a penalty to his two conversions.

The Brive fly-half then scored a lovely try from an offload by another lively French scrum-half called Antoine, this one Latrasse as opposed to Dupont who will star at Principality Stadium.

Wales had a chance to strike another blow before the break when they kicked to the corner with the clock in the red but they turned the ball over, France countered and opted for three points from a penalty.

Wales were close to another dream start in the second half only for Bristol wing Evan Morris to be denied a debut try by a foot in touch when diving over the line.

France made the most of that escape to hit the front for the first time in the 47th minute thanks to full-back Senga Kouo going over after trading passes with lock Baptiste Veschambre.

Wales responded with a seven-pointer of their own to go in front 24-22, centre Emanuel cutting a nice line from a short ball inside the 22 to go over.

The hosts were denied a bonus-point score when flanker Caio James had a try chalked off after it was deemed that Morris knocked on in the build-up, then Leggatt-Jones missed a simple penalty approaching the hour.

Wales paid the price for not making possession and territory count when France got their fourth try in the 67th minute, replacement hooker Garault going over from Latrasse's offload.

The French got their clincher with four minutes left to play when wing Cazemajou made the most of a handling error by opposite number Tom Bowen by crossing in the corner.

There was still time for a dazzling breakaway by Bowen - which would have earned a pair of bonuses - to be chalked off for a dangerous tackle by replacement Alex Ridgway.

Wales have a six-day turnaround to hosting Scotland at the Arms Park while France host Italy on Saturday in their bid for a Grand Slam.

Wales: Cummings; Morris, Darwin-Lewis, Emanuel (co-capt), Bowen; Leggatt-Jones, S Davies; Tuckley, Howe, Pritchard, L Evans, Osian J Williams, Osian Williams, C James, Gwynne (co-capt).

Replacements: Talamai, D James, Godfrey, Cottle, Minto, Ridgway, Woodyatt, Lucas.

France: Senga Kouo; Cazemajou-Noudofinin, Frier, Drault, Rates; L Kelataona, Latrasse; Frisach, Gil, Pargade, Veschambre, Michaux, Marzullo (capt), Bonnard Martin, T Keletaona.

Replacements: Garault, Couturier, Turpin, Portat, Couty, Dupuy, Kretchmann, Rasal.

Referee: Ru Campbell (Scotland)