The second round out the 2015 World Rugby U20 Championship saw some exciting games, even if the winners ended up being near enough as predicted.
In Ireland v Scotland and England v Wales there were some local derbies, while in New Zealand v Argentina we were treated to arguably the game of the tournament to date.
Group A
England remain on top of Group A after they beat 6 Nations rivals Wales 30-16, making up for a defeat to the same opponent during the Six Nations. The other game in the Group saw France beat Japan 47-7, however France remain a point behind England after failing to secure a bonus point in their game against Wales.
England and France now play what is effectively a semi final play off on Wednesday in their final pool match, while Wales will face Japan, who have already shipped over 100 points.
Group B
Group B will go right down to the wire on Wednesday with South Africa and Australia facing each other, both currently sit level at the top on ten points a piece.
Yesterday South Africa beat Samoa 40-8, while Australia downed hosts Italy 31-15 to set up what will be a cracking game of rugby at 19.30 on Wednesday.
Group C
Group C almost saw us witness a great U20s upset as Argentina pushed New Zealand all the way, with the traditionally dominant side at U20 level only just scraping through as 32-29 winners, but only after a kick three minutes from time from New Zealand’s Otere Black finally put his side ahead.
New Zealand are on a charge though, they are two points clear of Ireland who they face on Wednesday. Ireland faced Scotland on Saturday, gaining revenge after losing to them in the 6 Nations by winning 24-20, leaving Scotland still pinned at the foot of the group, with Argentina still to come.
Results:
Saturday 6th June:
Ireland 24-20 Scotland (Group C)
France 47-7 Japan (Group A)
New Zealand 32-29 Argentina (Group C)
South Africa 40-8 Samoa (Group B)
England 30-16 Wales (Group A)
Australia 31-15 Italy (Group B)
Tuesday 2nd June:
France 19-10 Wales (Group A)
England 59-7 Japan (Group A)
Australia 34-22 Samoa (Group B)
South Africa 33-5 Italy (Group B)
Ireland 18-16 Argentina (Group C)
New Zealand 68-10 Scotland (Group C)
Standings:
Group A |
|||||
Pos |
Team |
Won |
Drawn |
Lost |
Points |
1 |
England |
2 |
0 |
0 |
10 |
2 |
France |
2 |
0 |
0 |
9 |
3 |
Wales |
0 |
0 |
2 |
0 |
4 |
Japan |
0 |
0 |
2 |
0 |
Group B |
|||||
Pos |
Team |
Won |
Drawn |
Lost |
Points |
1 |
South Africa |
2 |
0 |
0 |
10 |
2 |
Australia |
2 |
0 |
0 |
10 |
3 |
Samoa |
0 |
0 |
2 |
0 |
4 |
Italy |
0 |
0 |
2 |
0 |
Group C |
|||||
Pos |
Team |
Won |
Drawn |
Lost |
Points |
1 |
New Zealand |
2 |
0 |
0 |
10 |
2 |
Ireland |
2 |
0 |
0 |
8 |
3 |
Argentina |
0 |
0 |
2 |
2 |
4 |
Scotland |
0 |
0 |
2 |
1 |
2015 World Rugby U20 Championship Fixtures:
Wednesday 10th June:
England v France (Group A) – 15.30
Argentina v Scotland (Group C) – 15.30
Wales v Japan (Group A) – 17.30
Samoa v Italy (Group B) – 17.30
New Zealand v Ireland (Group C) – 19.30
South Africa v Australia (Group B) – 19.30
Monday 15th June:
5th Place Semi 1 – 15.30
9th Place Semi 1 – 15.30
9th Place Semi 2 – 17.30
Semi Final 1 – 17.30
5th Place Semi Final 2 – 19.30
Semi Final 2 – 19.30
Saturday 20th June:
11th Place Play off – 10.00
9th Place Play off – 12.00
7th Place Play off – 14.00
5th Place Play off – 15.30
3rd Place Play off – 17.30
Final – 19.30