World Rugby U20 Championship, 7 July 2026: Previews & Picks.
World Rugby U20 Championship: Overview
More matches of the World Rugby U20 Championship take place on 7 July 2026. So far, this championship has proved to be one with quick gameplays, strong forwards’ plays, and superb individual plays. All the games will now have more significance in the World Rugby U20 Championship. The teams strive either to enter the knock-out round or perform well in their group.
This guide covers four of the biggest fixtures on the schedule. These matches feature several of the tournament’s strongest rugby nations. Each preview includes the match details, expected lineups, team analysis, and a match prediction. The games promise physical contests, tactical battles, and plenty of attacking rugby. Young players will once again have the opportunity to showcase their talent on one of rugby’s biggest junior stages.
Expected Lineups in the World Rugby U20 Championship
New Zealand U20
S. No
Position
Player Name
1
Prop
Henry Stuart
2
Hooker
Josh Findlay
3
Prop
Ethan Webber
4
Lock
Max Fale
5
Lock
Jake Frost
6
Flanker
Bradley Tocker
7
Flanker
Caleb Woodley
8
Number 8
Patrick Mauga
9
Scrum Half
Charlie Sinton
10
Fly Half
Mika Muliaina
11
Wing
Logan Williams
12
Center
Siale Pahulu
13
Center
David Lewai
14
Wing
Ollie Guerin
15
Full Back
Cohen Norrie
Italy U20
S. No
Position
Player Name
1
Prop
Christian Brasini
2
Hooker
Ettore Dinarte Patricio
3
Prop
Luca Trevisan
4
Lock
Simone Fardin
5
Lock
Marco Spreafichi
6
Flanker
Carlo Antonio Bianchi
7
Flanker
Jaheim Wilson
8
Number 8
Enoch Opoku Gyamfi
9
Scrum Half
Mattia Andretti
10
Fly Half
Roberto Fasti
11
Wing
David Luisato
12
Center
Riccardo Casarin
13
Center
Giacomo Falchetto
14
Wing
Luca De Novellis
15
Full Back
Pietro Celi
Team Analysis
However, New Zealand U20 is always one of the tournament favorites when it enters the World Rugby U20 Championship. This side is known for its speed, skills, and great decision-making. Besides, their offensive rugby places pressure from all parts of the field. Finally, New Zealand U20 is characterized by intense defensive play and quick ball recovery.
At the same time, Italy U20 continues to grow stronger each season. Now, this team is ready to show its confidence against tough opponents. Italy’s forwards are known for their good performance in contact play, and the backs attempt to make space via quick passes. In this game, Italy will have to avoid mistakes and play patiently.
New Zealand will try to play at a quick pace from the beginning of the game. It means that Italy will have to stay organized and score on any opportunity. Great defense and discipline will be very important if Italy is going to challenge the tournament favorites.
This match promises a lot of interesting rugby and great attack opportunities.
The Pick: New Zealand U20
Argentina U20 vs England U20
Date: 7 July 2026 (Tuesday)
Time: 07:30 AM ET | 04:30 AM PT | 05:00 PM IST
Venue: Avchala Stadium, Tbilisi
Expected Lineups in the World Rugby U20 Championship
Argentina U20
S. No
Player Name
Position
1
Benjamin Farias Cerioni
Prop
2
Manuel Cuneo Camargo
Hooker
3
Bautista Salinas Mallea
Prop
4
Joaquin Pascual Viale
Lock
5
Bautista Benavides
Lock
6
Tomas Dande
Flanker
7
Jeronimo Sorondo
Flanker
8
Federico Torre
Number 8
9
Juan Preumayr
Scrum Half
10
Federico Serpa Laporte
Fly Half
11
Luciano Avaca
Wing
12
Benjamin Ordiz Yujnovsky
Center
13
Pedro Coll
Center
14
Bautista Lescano
Wing
15
Simon Pfister
Full Back
England U20
S. No
Player Name
Position
1
Oliver Scola
Prop
2
Jimmy Staples
Hooker
3
Ollie Streeter
Prop
4
Elliot Williams
Lock
5
Aiden Ainsworth-Cave
Lock
6
Tate Williams
Flanker
7
Seb Kelly
Flanker
8
Connor Treacey
Number 8
9
Lucas Friday
Scrum Half
10
Hugh Shields
Fly Half
11
Sam Winters
Wing
12
Will Knight
Center
13
Nick Lilley
Center
14
Tyler Offiah
Wing
15
James Pater
Full Back
Team Analysis
This is yet another highlight in the World Rugby U20 Championship. The Argentine U20 rugby team is known for its intensity, physical play, and great prowess in the forward line. The strong defense of the team usually causes opponents to commit mistakes. The team also counterattacks with confidence when there is a chance for it.
The youth team of England U20 is still one of the best rugby teams in the tournament. They have both strong forwards and creative backs that play the game well.
The Argentine team will try to dominate in the contact zone and have possession of the ball. English players will use patience and kicking tactics to win the field.
Both teams know the value of the match. It can give a good boost before the next stages. This match promises to be very intense and competitive.
The Pick: Argentina U20
South Africa U20 vs Wales U20
Date: 7 July 2026 (Tuesday)
Time: 10:00 AM ET | 07:00 AM PT | 07:30 PM IST
Venue: Avchala Stadium, Tbilisi
Expected Lineups in the World Rugby U20 Championship
South Africa U20
S. No
Position
Player Name
1
Prop
Oliver Reid
2
Hooker
Siphosethu Mnebelele
3
Prop
Daniel Kruger
4
Lock
Heinrich Theron
5
Lock
Johan Hattingh
6
Flanker
Risima Khosa
7
Flanker
Luke Cannon
8
Number 8
Vuyo Gwiji
9
Scrum Half
Hendre Schoeman
10
Fly Half
Yaqeen Ahmed
11
Wing
Khuthadzo Rasivhaga
12
Center
Ethan Adams
13
Center
Samuel Badenhorst
14
Wing
Cheswill Jooste
15
Full Back
Alzeadon Felix
Wales U20
S. NO
Position
Player Name
1
Prop
George Tuckley
2
Hooker
Tom Howe
3
Prop
Jac Pritchard
4
Lock
Will Evans
5
Lock
Tom Cottle
6
Flanker
Deian Gwynne
7
Flanker
Caio James
8
Number 8
Evan Minto
9
Scrum Half
Sion Davies
10
Fly Half
Carwyn Leggatt Jones
11
Wing
Tom Bowen
12
Center
Steffan Emanuel
13
Center
Osian Lewis
14
Wing
Rhys Cummings
15
Full Back
Lewis Edwards
Team Analysis
South Africa U20 will enter this World Rugby U20 Championship fixture as the favorite. Due to their physical front row and excellent defensive game. The power that the team possesses in carrying and set pieces enables them to dictate the tempo of the match. In addition, the team has explosive backs, which provide scoring options.
Wales U20 will have to rely on their determination and unity. This team is tough and never quits easily. They play well from an offensive perspective when they are fast on the move all across the field. They will also have to show discipline against the physical forwards of the opposition.
The scrums and lineouts are going to play a key role in this match. South Africa is going to dominate the possession with their forwards. Meanwhile, Wales will try to use their wide attack in order to gain a chance.
The Pick: South Africa U20
France U20 vs Australia U20
Date: 7 July 2026 (Tuesday)
Time: 10:00 AM ET | 07:00 AM PT | 07:30 PM IST
Venue: AIA Arena, Kutaisi
Expected Lineups in the World Rugby U20 Championship
France U20
S. NO
Position
Player Name
1
Prop
Matheo Frisach
2
Hooker
Gabin Garault
3
Prop
Alexandre Langlois
4
Lock
Baptiste Veschambre
5
Lock
Romeo Bonnard Martin
6
Flanker
Raphael Audebert
7
Flanker
Lucas Andjisseramatchi
8
Number 8
Elyjah Ibsaiene
9
Scrum Half
Baptiste Tilloles
10
Fly Half
Luka Keletaona
11
Wing
Melvyn Rates
12
Center
Bastien Rasal
13
Center
Adrien Drault
14
Wing
Dylan Noudofinin Cazemajou
15
Full Back
Axel Guillaud
Australia U20
S. No
Position
Player Name
1
Prop
Kingbenjamin Swerling-Finaipepe
2
Hooker
Ewald Kruger
3
Prop
Lehopoame Leota
4
Lock
Will Ross
5
Lock
Toby Brial
6
Flanker
Luca Cleverley
7
Flanker
Tom Robinson
8
Number 8
Eli Langi
9
Scrum Half
Angus Grover
10
Fly Half
Finn Mackay
11
Wing
Cooper Watters
12
Center
Treyvon Pritchard
13
Center
Zach Fittler
14
Wing
Tom Farr-Jones
15
Full Back
Wallace Charlie
Team Analysis
This may well be one of the best games played in the World Rugby U20 Championship pool stages. The French side is going into the game confidently, having shown great teamwork and attacking skills throughout the championship. The forwards have created a good foundation for play, while the backs use pace and accuracy to create chances.
Australia is like an open brand of rugby. They move the ball fast and attack from many positions on the field. It is enjoyable for their young players to play at a quick tempo and get space for their finishers.
In this match, France will want to control the ball and dominate the rucks. Australia will try to speed up the game and force mistakes from the French defense.
The Pick: France U20
Conclusion
The World Rugby U20 Championship provides another opportunity for young players to demonstrate their potential for international rugby matches. All teams will try to win an important game because this is the key moment of the tournament.
The match between France U20 and Australia U20 seems to be one of the most interesting games of the round. The match Argentina U20 vs England U20 will be very competitive. South Africa U20 will be using its power against Wales U20. Finally, New Zealand U20 is supposed to win another game against Italy U20.
All these matches will involve excellent teamwork, strong forward running, and exciting attacking rugby. Players will get important international experience by playing in these games. Fans are likely to enjoy another very interesting day of the World Rugby U20 Championship.