The 2025 World Rugby U20 Championship moves into the knockout stage with playoff matches across three brackets: the semi-finals, fifth-place play-offs, and the ninth-place bracket taking place in Italy on Monday 14 July. Here’s a look at the fixtures and a few of our plays for consideration.
Outright Betting (to win tournament) – Click here to bet
- South Africa 2.50
- France 2.80
- New Zealand 3.40
- Argentina 26.00
CHAMPIONSHIP SEMI-FINALS
France vs New Zealand – Click here to bet
Kick-off: 18:00 SAST
Venue: Stadio Luigi Zaffanella, Viadana
Handicap: France –2.5
A clash between two unbeaten sides both of which were fancied coming into the tournament. France finished their campaign with a 52-26 win over Argentina and New Zealand beat Ireland 69-22 after a slow start. The –2.5 handicap reflects how close this encounter is expected to be, with either side capable of reaching the final.
South Africa vs Argentina – Click here to bet
Kick-off: 20:30 SAST
Venue: Stadio Luigi Zaffanella, Viadana
Handicap: South Africa –23.5
South Africa have looked unstoppable so far, winning all three pool matches in commanding fashion with only England offering resistance. Argentina will need a huge performance to stay in the contest having reached the semi-finals with narrow wins over Wales and Spain. The Junior Boks beat Argentina 36-25 in South Africa in the Rugby Championship in May.
Fifth-Place Semi-Finals
England vs Wales – Click here to bet
Kick-off: 15:30 SAST
Venue: Stadio Luigi Zaffanella, Viadana
Handicap: England –20.5
England were seconds from a semi-final spot (late Argentina try against France to secure a 4 try bonus point) and will be disappointed to be in the fifth-place bracket. Wales have been competitive but face a tough challenge here. England are firm favourites and expected to control proceedings but Wales will have good recent memories against the English having beaten them 23-13 in the Six Nations.
Italy vs Australia – Click here to bet
Kick-off: 20:30 SAST
Venue: Payanini Center, Verona
Handicap: Italy +5.5
Italy are underdogs at home but will take confidence from their win over Ireland and the fact that they kept things close against New Zealand. Australia remain unpredictable, capable of brilliance or inconsistency and they turned in their best performance when they went down 36-33 to England in their last game. The +5.5 line suggests a competitive game is on the cards.
Ninth-Place Semi-Finals
Georgia vs Spain – Click here to bet
Kick-off: 15:30 SAST
Venue: Payanini Center, Verona
Handicap: Georgia –12.5
Georgia bring structure and forward dominance into this clash and while they only managed a draw against Italy they were competitive against Ireland and New Zealand. Spain have scored some impressive tries but have struggled defensively conceding 30 points or more in each game.
Ireland vs Scotland – Click here to bet
Kick-off: 18:00 SAST
Venue: Payanini Center, Verona
Handicap: Ireland –13.5
Ireland’s campaign has been underwhelming but they started strong in a 69-22 loss to New Zealand and they’ll look to finish strong. Scotland have conceded heavily in all three pool games and they were beaten 73-15 by South Africa in their last start.
SUGGESTED PLAYS
South Africa v Argentina – Handicap South Africa -23.5
Argentina got into the last 4 courtesy of having Wales and Spain in their group and an impressive Baby Bok side can put them to the sword.
France vs New Zealand – New Zealand win at 2.40
This should be an even match and I think New Zealand are the value play.
All prices correct at the time of writing but are subject to change
