Scotland's Oli Smith a standout ahead of French Test

Scotland and Italy U20 square up at Netherdale Stadium this Friday. Both sides have struggled in the competition thus far, having each only one victory under the belt.

We now take a look at the respective teams’ top performers in the tournament so far.

Scotland’s Rory Darge is the side’s top tackler with 42. France’s top tackler is Tani Vili, trailing behind with 17.

Oli Smith, who has proved himself to be a prolific attacker, is tied with teammate Ewan Ashman for carries, both completing 44. French back-rower Jordan Joseph’s efforts in this department transcend that of the Scots as he has managed 47 carries- the second most in the tournament overall.

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Oli Smith has utilised his running skills to rack up a total of 220 metres, putting him at first place in the competition. Hot on his heels, however, is France’s Cheikh Tiberghien with 195 metres (second highest).

Scottish second-rower Cameron Henderson is streets ahead of anyone else in the lineout stat, having won a staggering 30 lineouts in the first three rounds (the next highest being 17 by Wales’ Ben Carter). Henderson will fancy his chances on Friday against opponent Joshua Brennan who is France’s highest lineout taker with 5.

Oli Smith and Cheikh Tiberghien once again go head-to-head, this time in the ‘defenders beaten’ stat. Smith currently has 18 (first in tournament) while Tiberghien now sits in third place in the competition with 13.

Connor Boyle has been workmanlike on the ground for the Scots, turning over 5 balls at the conclusion of Round 3, putting him tie-first overall. France’s Nathanael Hullen has been slightly less energetic in this department with a tally of 2.

In terms of clean breaks, the teams’ top performers are evenly matched, with Scotland’s Robbie McCallum on 4 and Tiberghien on 5. The Scots will have a slight advantage considering they will be playing at home and coming off a win against Italy in Round 3.