U20 World Championships: 2025 Semi-Finals locked in as England eliminated

South Africa were already assured of their place in the semi-finals as Pool A winners, following bonus-point victories over Australia and England. They were joined by France and New Zealand, as Pool B and C winners respectively, and Argentina as the best second-placed team after Los Pumitas secured a late try-bonus point to pip defending champions England.

England looked set to join the pool winners in the semi-finals on a dramatic final day of pool action on Wednesday, after a hat-trick from captain Kepueli Tuipulotu secured a 36-33 win over Australia. Following that, France ran riot over Argentina, with an almighty 38-7 lead established by half-time.

However, Argentina emerged for the second half against Les Bleus and scored three tries, this secured a losing bonus point and a first U20 World Championships semi-final since 2019. They edged past England with 11 pool stage points to England's 10, with Mark Mapletoft's side sent packing from the competition.

France and New Zealand, with nine U20 World titles between them, will meet in the first semi-final in Viadana, with South Africa against Argentina following later that evening. The fifth place semi-final between England and Wales will open proceedings at the Stadio Luigi Zaffanella at 15:30.