The 2025 World Rugby U20 Championship gets underway in Italy with some thrilling matchups across all three pools taking place on Sunday the 29th of June. Hosted across Verona and Calvisano, the stage is set for an entertaining opening round which we will have a look at from a betting front below (updated Sunday morning with betting).
Outright Betting – click here to bet
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France – 3.75
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England – 4.00
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New Zealand – 4.00
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South Africa – 6.50
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Australia – 8.00
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Ireland – 9.00
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Argentina – 17.00
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Wales – 67.00
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Italy – 81.00
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Georgia – 151.00
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Scotland – 201.00
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Spain – 501.00
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Pool A
England vs Scotland – 15:30 SAST, Payanini Center, Verona
Handicap: England -37.5
England come into the tournament as traditional powerhouses at U20 level and the defending champions. Their physical forward pack and structured style will be a big test for Scotland, who are known for their attacking flair but often fall short against the top sides. This clash should be fiercely contested, however England start as clear favourites having hammered Scotland 57-13 at home in the u20 6 Nations.
Australia vs South Africa – 15:30 SAST, Stadio San Michele, Calvisano
Handicap: Australia +2.5
This is certainly one of the most anticipated matchups of the opening round between the Junior Wallabies and the Junior Boks and this game could be crucial in deciding who tops Pool A. Australia’s U20s have had mixed results in recent seasons, while South Africa will look to impose their well-known physical game from the get-go. This game will be a back-and-forth battle where set piece will play a huge role in who comes out on top and the Wallabies will carry the confidence of having won the Rugby Championship encounter in May 29-24 in South Africa
Pool B
France vs Spain – 18:00 SAST, Payanini Center, Verona
Handicap: France -39.5
France have won 3 of the last 4 renewals but went down to England in the final in South Africa last year and they enter the tournament with arguably the most complete squad. Their depth, pace, and offloading game make them one of the toughest teams to beat and they won the u20 Six Nations with 4 wins and a single loss. On the other hand, Spain, make a rare appearance at this level and will be huge underdogs. Their main objective will be to stay in the fight and restrict the scoreline against one of the tournament favourites.
Argentina vs Wales – 20:30 SAST, Payanini Center, Verona
Handicap: Argentina -7.5
This is a vital match for both sides with Pool B expected to be competitive behind France. Argentina’s U20s have a reputation for their manpower and slick handling, and there is no doubt they will test Wales up front but will have to improve from their rugby championship campaign where they lost all 3 matches. The Welsh who finished 3rd in the Six Nations has some talented players capable of turning a game within a short time period. This fixture could be one of the most closely matched of Round 1.
Pool C
Ireland vs Georgia – 18:00 SAST, Stadio San Michele, Calvisano
Handicap: Ireland -11.5
Ireland had a disappointing Six Nations where they collected the wooden spoon with 1 win and 4 losses. Georgia’s U20s have gone from strength to and they beat Italy twice in 2024 and England once.
Ireland will have to be on high alert for this one.
New Zealand vs Italy – 20:30 SAST, Stadio San Michele, Calvisano
Handicap: New Zealand -24.5
New Zealand begins their campaign against tournament hosts Italy in what should be a fast-paced affair in which New Zealand will most likely control the tempo. The Baby Blacks are always among the title contenders although have not lifted the cup since 2017 and they will look to assert authority early. Italy, backed by home support, will hope to stay in the game through defensive effort and discipline, they will also rely heavily on counterattack opportunities. The Italians finished 4th in the Six Nations earlier this year.
ROUND 1 PLAYS
I don’t see any standout value but based on the Rugby Championship I make Australia favourites against South Africa and I like Argentina and Georgia on the caps.
Bet: Australia win at 2.25
Bet: Georgia +11.5 at 1.85
Bet: Argentina -7.5 at 1.95
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Note: All prices are correct at the time of writing but subject to change.
