World Rugby U20s Championship 2016 Round 2 Predictions

The World Rugby U20s kick-off with plenty of surprises will those continue into round 2? Here are my predictions.

How did you do with your round 1 predictions?

3 from 6, the topsides won but there were plenty of upsets between the middle ranking sides.

My 30 second One Line Predictions, read below for the reasoning.

Australia U20 v Italy U20

Italy backed up their poor U20s 6 Nations with a big loss to England. This presents Australia with the best opportunity to get some form after a surprising loss to Scotland in the first round. Probably not as big a win as England but still a comfortable win.

Australia U20 by 20

New Zealand U20 v Ireland U20

The Baby Blacks started in fine fashion with a 55-0 win in their first game. The opposition will be a big step up in this round as Ireland gained revenge over Wales for their U20s 6 Nations loss. Even so I still can’t see Ireland turning over New Zealand and I’m backing the champions by a couple of scores.

New Zealand U20 by 15

Wales U20 v Georgia U20

There was great expectation around Wales after their U20s 6 Nations Grand Slam. They were brought down to earth by Ireland but have an easier test this round. Georgia are newly promoted and so I’m expecting them to come up short here. My expectation is that Georgia are looking to the playoffs and to ensuring they don’t come last.

Wales U20 by 10

France U20 v Japan U20

Both these sides lost in the opening round and it could be a really close encounter. I’m still going with the higher ranked team even if there is a suggestion of an upset in the back of my mind here.

France U20 by 7

South Africa U20 v Argentina U20

South Africa opened in confident fashion racking up the most points in the first round. They did let in a few though and weren’t as clinical as the Baby Blacks. Argentina got a good win over France but this is a big step up and I’m backing the Boks to make 2 from 2.

South Africa U20 by 10

England U20 v Scotland U20

England had a comfortable win in round 1 but that was against Italy and they still had that poor U20s 6 Nations. Scotland downed Australia who earlier this season got their first win over the Baby Blacks. It’s always hard to extrapolate but this is the upset that I’m going for with the hosts losing a close one.

Scotland U20 by 5

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