The World Rugby U20 Championship came to a thrilling conclusion this weekend with an afternoon packed full of quality rugby. New Zealand ended the day as champions after a hard fought battle with England in the final but prior to this there were many treats for the avid rugby fan.
The day’s opening game between Japan and Argentina ensured the highest placed ranking ever for the Japanese despite losing 38-21. The 10th place finish will be something they will look to build on in the future. The battle for 7th fell to two 6 nations’ opponents with Ireland facing up to the challenge of Scotland. The finishing skills of Ireland winger, Stephen Fitzgerald, who’s two tries were ultimately the difference between the teams with the game finishing 17-9. Australia were able to secure 5th place after a tough encounter with senior level World Cup group opposition Wales. In an open game featuring seven tries between the two sides Australia edged it 28-25, holding on despite the late dismissal of Campbell Magnay. He received a red card with four minutes remaining with Wales able to close the gap with a last minute try but to no avail for their hopes of victory.
On a day of anticipation building to the climax of the final and 3rd place playoff, interest was high in the Italian and Samoan camps as they met in a relegation decider. The tension and anxiety remained throughout, with the game going down to the last kick. Samoan kicker, Malu Falaiko, missed a decisive penalty from 48m out giving Italy the victory and place in next year’s Championship, holding on for 20-19 win. Georgia will replace the Samoans in the World Rugby U20 Championship after winning the Under 20’s Trophy in Portugal. In a high scoring final they overcame Canada 49-24 to clinch the chance to play amongst the world elite.
The beaten semi-finalists, France and South Africa met in the penultimate game of the tournament in the 3rd place playoff. With South Africa continuing their highly respectable record in the World Rugby U20 Championship with them being the only other nation than New Zealand and England to lift the trophy since the tournaments creation in 2008. A 31-18 win came through the forward dominance that was missing and blown away by England’s pack in the semi-final. Flanker Daniel Du Preez stood out with two tries to his name alongside a strong performance across the field.
A determined England side were unable to match their exploits at the two previous tournaments as New Zealand defeated them 21-16. The attacking power of the All Blacks was just too much for an English side that had already tasted defeat in this year’s tournament against France, needing to qualify for the semi as the best placed runner up. Questions will be asked of the English side but it was the supreme quality of New Zealand that allowed them to wrap up the title in emphatic fashion. Otere Black starred as he ran the game from start to finish with remarkable ease. The future for both senior sides looks strong with the talent that was on show throughout this tournament.
Now attentions will turn to the Rugby World Cup and before that the Rugby Championship for a rugby fix for rugby fans across the globe. The quality of rugby on show in Italy this year for the World Rugby U20 Championship, however, will surely have sparked interest in the next edition. Manchester has been named as host city for 2016. The AJ Bell Stadium, home of the Sale Sharks and the Manchester City Academy stadium will be home to the excitement of next year’s tournament.
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