Spain make their World Rugby U20 Championship debut in Cape Town, but they face something of a baptism of fire as they meet defending champions France in the first of three Saturday matches at DHL Stadium.
At the same venue, Ireland take on U20 Men’s Six Nations rivals Italy in an encounter that – if the match between the two sides in that competition earlier this year is any indication – could be very close, before hosts South Africa meet the always dangerous Fiji in the final match of the day there.
U20 Six Nations champions England kick-off proceedings against Argentina at Athlone Sports Stadium, before Australia face a potentially tricky match against a Georgia side it’s never wise to underestimate, as England recently found. And inaugural Rugby Championship U20 champions New Zealand round things off at the venue against a side they know very well, Wales.
All signposts point to a fascinating opening day’s action in South Africa as the race to succeed France as champions gets under way. Here’s a closer look at all six matches on day one.
Sebastien Calvet’s defending champions France kick-off their quest for a record-equalling fourth successive title at Cape Town’s DHL Stadium against international neighbours and Pool A rivals they have never before played.
It’s not a match France – shorn of key players through injury, call-ups to the senior men’s July tour squad, and the Top 14 final – will take lightly, despite holding a massive advantage in terms of experience, as they look to double down on last year’s impressive run to the title.
Calvet has picked a strong line-up for the opener, with La Rochelle fly-half Hugo Reus, the 2023 tournament’s leading points scorer, taking over captaincy duties from Brive half-back partner Léo Carbonneau. Between them the duo have nearly 70 senior appearances for their clubs.
It can’t get much tougher for Spain, promoted after winning the U20 Trophy competition last year, than to open their account against the reigning champions. Coach Ricardo Martinena has chosen a solid team for the occasion, led by Bayonne-based second row Manex Ariceta.
Nico Infer and Gonzalo Otamendi are the half-backs, linking that powerful pack – and its mobile back row – and a backline featuring rising French club stars Alberto Carmona and Hugo Pichardie.
