South Africa were tested by Georgia as the World Under-20 Rugby Championships began ©Getty Images

South Africa overcame a half-time deficit to beat Georgia 33-27 to open the World Rugby Under-20 Championship in France.

The South Africans trailed 17-12 at the halfway point in the Stade Aimé Giral in Perpignan before recovering to win 33-27.

The 2012 champions struggled throughout to break down a resolute defence.

Hosts France edged Ireland 26-24 elsewhere in Group C.

Three-time champions England began well in Group B with a 39-18 success over Argentina at the Parc des Sports Et de l'Amitié, Narbonne.

There was a thrilling 27-26 success for Italy over Scotland elsewhere in the group at the Stade de la Méditerranée In Béziers.

Wales claimed a big win over Australia ©Getty Images
Wales claimed a big win over Australia ©Getty Images

Australia suffered a 26-21 defeat to Wales in Béziers in Group A while defending champions New Zealand thrashed Japan 67-0 in Narbonne.

The 2018 World Rugby Under-20 Championship will take place across Perpignan, Narbonne and Béziers, and is scheduled to conclude on June 17.

It is hoped it will unearth the next generation of test stars to follow in the footsteps of more than 570 players who have graduated from the premier age-grade tournament since it began in 2008.

The next round of matches will be on June 3.