Australia U20's Junior World Championship title dream is over after a brutal 34-29 defeat to France U20 in Georgia.
The Australians were up for the fight against the Six Nations Champions; however, a pair of crucial yellow cards to second-rowers Toby Brial and William Ross proved pivotal.
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26 of France’s 34 points came with the Aussies down a player, the standout period being a 19-point burst from France with Brial in the bin in the first half.
Whilst there was great fightback from Chris Whitaker’s side, they ultimately couldn’t convert late chances inside the French 22, leaving them to feel the brunt of the ruthless format, which sees only the top-ranked teams advance to the semi-finals.
They will next face Wales in the fifth place semi-final, who went down to South Africa.
Treyvon Pritchard was once again the standout as he wove his magic for the opener, beating his man one-on-one from close in the second minute.
His best effort was to come 10 minutes later with a dazzling individual effort that started from his goal-line, stepping half the team and sprinting away to find Wallace Charlie, who was dragged down on the French 22.
The Reds wunderkind finished the match with 11 tackle busts and close to 200 metres, tearing the French apart.
The Aussies controlled the proceedings until Brial’s yellow card in the 16th minute, sent for ten for an off-the-ball incident after France’s clearing kick.
This led to the trio of tries, with skipper Lucas Andjisseramatchi crossing for a double.
Luca Cleverley reduced the margin close to halftime from a smart lineout move, but France went into the break with a 22-12 advantage.
But discipline cost them, with a trio of penalties putting them on a warning and allowing hooker Gabin Garault to cross.
Charlie’s try gave hope, but Ross was soon in the bin for collapsing the maul, and France snatched the momentum with a try to scrum-half Baptiste Tilloles.
Incredibly, the Australians hit straight back with the lock still in the bin, replacement Edwin Langi crashing over.
In the end, their execution cost them as they failed to take advantage of several chances inside the opposition 22, with the best coming in the 67th minute when Eli Langi was held up over the line after they turned down three points.
This was followed by Finn Mackay missing touch from a penalty after the Aussie scrum continued their dominance throughout the 80 minutes.
Not even further magic from Pritchard could revive the Aussies, unable to find Riley Whitfeld after another 60 metre break.
Charlie Bird’s late penalty gave hope but the Australians couldn’t get through the French defence as they were left rueing the missed opportunity.
