New Zealand U20's have been inconsistent all year while England have been quite solid. They've also looked quite good during this tournament, so I am backing the England youngsters to get the job done.
Key Stats - England Targeting Third
- England have won 4 of their last 6 games.
- England have scored 179 points in 4 matches.
- New Zealand have won 3 of their last 6 fixtures.
New Zealand U20 Inconsistent Once Again
New Zealand fell short against France in their 2026 World Rugby U20 semi-final match on Monday, losing 26-22 after trailing 14-12 at the break.
Earlier in the tournament, the Junior All Blacks were awarded a victory in their first match against Japan due to inclement weather after leading 38-21 before play was stopped in the second half.
They subsequently defeated Scotland 36-26 and Italy 45-15 in their remaining group stage fixtures.
New Zealand will feel unlucky not to have won their previous match and now face a tricky test against England in the third-place final this weekend, as their opponents have won four of their last six fixtures.
England U20 Put up a Brave Performance against Baby Boks
England faced the defending champions, South Africa, in the 2026 World Rugby U20 Championship on Monday, losing 53-37 after leading 20-12 at half-time.
Before that, the English defeated Ireland 34-27, the United States 68-40, and Argentina 40-38 during the group stages.
England will have the belief they can beat New Zealand, as their opponents can be prone to inconsistent performances, and they will be out for redemption after ill-discipline hurt their chances of making the final.
New Zealand vs England U20 Squads
New Zealand
Forwards: Alani Fakava, Josh Findlay, Xavier Leota, Alexander Hewitt, Dane Johnston, James Moore, Henry Stuart, Ethan Webber, Max Fale, Johnny Falloon, Jake Frost, Kobe Brownlee, Micah Fale, Jake Hutchings, Patrick Mauga, Bradley Tocker, Caleb Woodley
Backs: Jackson Hughan, Boston Krone, Charlie Sinton, Cohen Norrie, Mika Muliaina, David Lewai, Siale Pahulu, Triumph Voice, Haki Wiseman, Lautasi Etuale, Oliver Guerin, Kele Lasaqa, Logan Williams
England
Forwards: Aiden Ainsworth-Cave, Kealan Freeman-Price, Jerold Gorleku, Patrick Hogg, Seb Kelly, Jack Lewis, George Marsh, Freddie Ogden-Metherell, Alan Poku, Oliver Scola, Oliver Spencer, Jimmy Staples, Ollie Streeter, Sonny Tonga’uiha, Connor Treacey, Elliot Williams, Tate Williams
Backs: Finlay Cunnison, Zac Finch, Lucas Friday, Finn Keylock, Will Knight, Nick Lilley, George Newman, Tyler Offiah, James Pater, George Pearson, Hugh Shields, Jonny Weimann, Sam Winters