U20 World Championships: Opening Day Re-Cap as England defeat Scotland in Verona

England, South Africa, France, Argentina, Ireland, and New Zealand all delivered eye-catching victories, to get the World Championships off to a flying start in Calvizano and Verona.

South Africa set the tone with a stunning performance, crossing for 11 tries against Australia at Stadio San Michele in Calvisano. It was a clinic in pace and power, especially from the Junior Bok's outside backs. Winger Siyabonga Ndlozi bagged a first-half brace, while scrum-half Hassiem Pead added two more just five minutes after the restart. South Africa have clearly asserted their title ambition, to avenge last year’s third place finish and signal their intent for the first U20 world title since 2012.

Also at Calvisano, England recovered from conceding the opening score to Scotland, cruising to a commanding bonus-point victory before half-time. Back row battering ram Kane James scored twice, and Jack Bracken - the son of 2003 Rugby World Cup winner Kyran Bracken - added a brace. England would go on to score six unanswered tries early against a returning Scotland side.

In Verona, Les Bleuets battled hard against Spain, leading just 14–6 at halftime. But after the break, Bartholome Sanson started a try spree for France, as four more trips across the whitewash followed to seal a comprehensive 49–11 triumph.

Over at the Payanini Center, Los Pumitas lived up to their name with a dramatic late victory. They trailed 24–7 early but rallied back, scoring twice in quick succession, to level at 27 apiece. The defining moment came in the 77th minute when Agustín García Campos Fiszman dashed through for the winner. His redemption came full circle following an earlier trip to the sin bin.

In a nail-biter, Ireland claimed top spot in Pool C by a narrow margin. They led 14–0 by halftime but were caught at 28–28 after sloppy beginnings. Paidi Farrell bantered two first-half tries and another two just after the restart. Despite another late try from Georgia’s Shota Kheladze, the Irishmen held on. Georgia left with two bonus points.

Host nation Italy staked an early claim for an upset with Niccolò Beni’s second-half try. But Manumaua Letiu and Dylan Pledger had given New Zealand a bit of breathing room in the first half. In the end, the Kiwis secured the win but missed out on a bonus point.

The action returns on Friday, 4 July, with two thrilling matchdays across Rovigo and Viadana:

Stadio Mario Battaglini (Rovigo)

France vs Wales – 14:00 local time (13:00 UK), Pool B
England vs South Africa – 17:30 local time (16:30 UK), Pool A
Argentina vs Spain – 20:00 local time (19:00 UK), Pool B

Stadio Luigi Zaffanella (Viadana)

Australia vs Scotland – 14:00 local time (13:00 UK), Pool A
New Zealand vs Georgia – 17:30 local time (16:30 UK), Pool C
Ireland vs Italy – 20:00 local time (19:00 UK), Pool C