France made it three consecutive World Rugby Under-20s titles as they got their revenge over Ireland with a 50-14 win in South Africa.
Ireland had beaten Les Bleuets 33-31 in Round 2 of the Under-20s Six Nations on their way to a Grand Slam, but despite a fast start, they had no answer in this final.
Mathis Ferté crossed twice and France were ruthless in the second half, running in seven tries in all to add to their titles in 2018 and 2019, the last time this tournament was held.
Fintan Gunne had given Ireland an early lead, but Ferté finished off a stunning counter-attacking score to bring France level.
Hugo Reus’ penalty made it 10-7 to Les Bleuets before John Devine got over for Ireland’s second after a lineout five metres out.
However, France’s maul was on top and they got in again through prop Lino Julien after a big carry from Posolo Tuilagi.
France led 17-14 at the break, with Ireland down to 14 after a yellow card for Paddy McCarthy.
With the extra man, France ran away with it early in the second half, first thanks to a Pierre Jouvin score from close range, before Nicolas Depoortere finished off after more pressure.
At 31-14, France were in control and they sealed it when Ferté finished impressively in the corner before skipper Lenni Nouchi was on the end of a length-of-the-field counter that started with back-row partner Oscar Jégou’s break.
And they had the final say with another score on the counter, Léo Drouet finishing after Clément
Mondinat and Arthur Mathiron got clear, going under the posts. Reus converted to bring up the half-century.
Earlier in the day, Dewi Passarella scored a hat-trick as Italy beat Japan 45-27 in the relegation playoff, while Wales had to settle for sixth place after defeat in a high-scoring clash with Australia and England missed out on third against hosts South Africa.
