The second round of Pool games in the 2014 IRB Junior World Championship certainly put the cat among the pigeons.

In Group A Italy sprung a surprise against Argentina, while England looked impressive against Australia, meaning the reigning champions look in pole position for a semi final spot.

Over in Group B things were even more exciting. Ireland beat Wales 35-21 in a thrilling game to give the Irishmen real hope of qualifying. They need Wales to beat France, who beat Fiji 37-5, for them to have a chance of going top but as things stand it is the Irishmen who have the best chance of going through to the semi finals as the best placed runner up. They currently have a point more than Group A and Group C’s runners up.

Should Wales win that game against France though then they too will be in a strong position to qualify, so Group B is definitely one to watch on Tuesday morning – it might be an early start but set the alarm, brew the coffee, relax and enjoy.

If Group B was exciting, then Group C threw up perhaps the most telling result of the Championship so far as South Africa beat New Zealand 33-24, in a performance that was even more dominant than the result suggest, putting South Africa firmly in control of Group C.

Unfortunately Group C has proved too much of a hurdle for Scotland though, they suffered a 27-18 defeat to Samoa, and with New Zealand up next, their chances of a Pool stage victory look slim.

All in all it looks as though South Africa and England are the standout sides in the tournament, though in the outstanding winger Tevita Li, New Zealand possibly have the outstanding palyer.

England appear to have the most potent attack in the tournament, however the South Africans are playing very much with a ‘Test’ structure, using big ball carriers, sound defence and well thought out kicking to dominate the game, very much in South African style.

Roll on Tuesday, this JWC just keeps on entertaining.

Group A Results & Fixtures:

Argentina 17-36 Australia

England 63-3 Italy

Argentina 26-29 Italy

England 38-24 Australia

Australia v Italy, Tuesday 04.35

England v Argentina, Tuesday 06.35

Group B Results & Fixtures:

Wales 48-19 Fiji

France 19-13 Ireland

France 37-5 Fiji

Wales 21-35 Ireland

Ireland v Fiji, Tuesday 02.35

Wales v France, Tuesday 04.35

Group C Results & Fixtures:

South Africa 61-5 Scotland

New Zealand 48-12 Samoa

Scotland 18-27 Samoa

New Zealand 24-33 South Africa

Samoa v South Africa, Tuesday 06.35

New Zealand v Scotland, Tuesday 08.35