Australia U20 have a good enough side to comfortably beat Spain at U20 level. Whether they can compete with the best in the world remains to be seen.
Key Stats - Australia Six Wins in 10
- Australia have won 6 of their last 10 fixtures.
- Australia placed 5th in last year's competition.
- Spain have lost 9 of their last 10 matches.
- Spain finished last in last year's competition.
Australia U20 Too Good for Spain
Australia did not enjoy much success at this year's U20 Rugby Championship, finishing in last place. They lost 34-29 to New Zealand and 56-17 to South Africa before beating Argentina 32-30.
Australia suffered a 73-17 defeat to South Africa, overcame Scotland 34-24, and lost 36-33 to England during the pool stage of the 2025 World Rugby U20 Championship. They then faced Italy in the semi-final play-offs, winning 44-21 before beating England 68-40 to finish fifth overall.
Australia will fancy their chances against Spain in their opening Pool D match, as their opponents have been struggling to win any of their games recently, losing nine of their previous ten fixtures.
Spain U20 Struggled in 2025, Same Expected in 2026
Spain did not fare well at last year's World Rugby U20 Championship. They lost 49-11 to France, 33-30 to Argentina, and 35-25 to Wales in the pool stages.
In the ninth-place play-off round, Los Leones lost 43-12 to Georgia and 38-37 to Ireland to finish the tournament 11th overall.
Spain have found the going tough in the last two editions of the competition and will have to improve their defence to give themselves a chance of victory against Australia in their opening fixture.
Australia vs Spain U20 Rugby Squads
Australia
Forwards: Ewald Kruger, Eli Langi, Jacob Job, Charles Hollyman, John Grenfell, Kenneth Harris, William Ross, Tom Robinson, Edwin Langi, Matthew Sauao, Isaac Fonua, Toby Brial, Luca Cleverley, Marshall Le Maitre, TJ Talaileva, Kingbenjamin Swerling-Finaipepe, Lehopoame Leota
Backs: Chayse Geros, Finn Mackay, Taione Taka, Treyvon Pritchard, Angus Grover, Sam Blank, Jonty Fowler, Zach Fittler, Leo Jaques, Charlie Bird, Tom Farr-Jones, Cooper Watters, Wallace Charlie
Spain
Forwards: Daniel Chico Ayo, Lucas Official, Iván Farace, Mauro Del Campo, Joan Barcenilla, Solomon Ibeoba, Daniel Navarro, Alejandro Iglesias, Manex Pujana, Max Artigas, Marco José Radizza, Unax Carballo, Bosco Vilallonga, Miguel Narvarte, Unax Salvador, Marçal Carreras, Rocky Kenneally
Backs: Bernat Fernández, Manuel Vázquez, Mateo Antem, Alfonso Enciso, Carlos De La Fuente, Iñigo Rapallo, Oriol Marsinyac, Marcos López, Jorge Garreta, Malakai Hafoka, Pelayo Serrano, Telmo Fisher, Mateo Aragón