New Zealand have been slightly inconsistent but they should be far too good for the lowly ranked Japanese.
Key Stats - New Zealand in Good form in 2026
- New Zealand have won 7 of their last 10 fixtures.
- New Zealand have defeated Japan twice in a row.
- Japan have lost 3 consecutive matches.
New Zealand U20 finished second in U20 Rugby Championship
New Zealand achieved mixed results at the 2026 U20 Rugby Championship, beating Australia 34-29 and losing 25-17 to Argentina before drawing 29-29 with rivals South Africa to finish second overall.
Before that, the Baby Blacks overcame Italy 14-5, Georgia 38-19, and Ireland 69-22 during the group stages of the 2025 World Rugby U20 Championship. They faced France in the semi-finals, securing a 34-26 victory before falling to rivals South Africa 23-15 in the final.
New Zealand will fancy their chances to kick off their campaign with a comfortable win over Japan, having easily defeated their opponents when they have previously met, including a 62-19 victory at the 2023 World Rugby U20 Championship.
Japan U20 Not Good Enough
Japan have played three friendlies against New Zealand Universities and a Hawke's Bay development side between 2025 and 2026. They defeated New Zealand Universities 52-45 at home before losing 33–31 away to Hawke's Bay and suffering 74–12 and 57–26 defeats away to New Zealand Universities.
In 2024, the Junior Brave Blossoms competed in the World Rugby U20 Trophy. They thrashed Hong Kong 105-20, thumped Samoa 81-7, and lost 46-10 to Scotland before defeating Uruguay 75-22 to finish third overall.
Japan have a mountain to climb in their Pool B opener against New Zealand, having lost their last three matches consecutively, including two recent heavy defeats to New Zealand Universities.
New Zealand vs Japan U20 Rugby Squads
Japan
Forwards: Keigo Aruga, Songha Ri, Seia Kawanai, Koshi Tsumura, Sota Miura, Kanta Kawagoe, Haruto Sasaki, Keitatsu Motoyama, Kotaro Kumagae, Masato Hyakutake, Masato Yanase, Taiga Yamazaki, Kise Shin, Riku Fujikubo, Akihiro Tsubone
Backs: Kosuke Ozeki, Soshi Kataoka, Yuki Kobayashi, Takeru Niwa, Rio Iwakura, Kohaku Suda, Tsunehidemichi Fukuda, Shinnosuke Uchida, Isa Fukada, Ryuto Koga
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