Wed 6 Jun 2012 | 12:40
Junior World Championship 2012 - Opening day highlights

10
Comments

The Junior World Championships got underway in the beautiful Cape earlier this week with a few heavy defeats, and one or two big upsets. Below are highlights of all six Under-20 matches. The next round takes place on Friday.

The opening day of play produced 46 tries, with plenty of attacking rugby. Things went to script for the most part, although some of the heavy scores showed how lopsided things can be at this level at times. The upset games were as competitive as ever though.

New Zealand 63-0 Samoa
While many expected New Zealand's junior team to be powerful, I don't think anyone could have predicted the way they demolished Samoa. They're after a fifth successive title, and have shown that they've got the incredients and know how to do so.

Australia 67-12 Scotland
The junior Scotland side weren't able to get one over Australia, as the young Wallabies ran riot, scoring 11 tries in the process. Their Super Rugby experience seemed to prove the difference between the two sides.

Wales 44-18 Fiji
Wales are going through somewhat of a rugby resurgence at all levels at the moment, and their junior side showed their depth, with young Matthew Morgan proving a central figure in their big win over Fiji. They were trailing at halftime, but Morgan scored a try and kicked the points asked of him.

England 64-5 Italy
London Irish winger Marland Yarde scored two tries as England ran in nine in total, proving too strong for their Italian counterparts in Pool B. They will face stiffer opposition in Cape Town on Friday, as they take on the recently victorious Ireland side.

South Africa 19-23 Ireland
In what was possibly the biggest upset of the day, the young Ireland team took on the hosts and beat them in muddy conditions in Stellenbosch. The home side bosted some talented young players, including those with Super Rugby experience, but the Irish outmuscled them up front, looked the more passionate group, and made few errors.

France 15-18 Argentina
The second big upset of the day as Argentina beat last year's semi finalists France, who led 15-5 at halftime. A try from Juan Cappiello and the kicking of Sebastian Poet resulted in a famous win. Argentina play Australia next, on Friday. 

Baby Blacks wing Milford Keresoma scored the only hat-trick, while Australia scored the most tries, 11. Welshman Jack Dixon became the youngest ever player at the tournament at the age of just 17. He turns 18 in December. New Zealand are now unbeaten in 21 JWC matches.

View highlights of every match in the playlist below. Hit play once, or use the navigation controls

10 Comments

  • juggernauter
    1:14 AM 08/06/2012

    That competition does exist. It's called the Junior World Rugby Trophy and its an initiative from the IRB. Every year the likes of Chile, Canada, Tonga, USA, Uruguay, Romania, Russia, Georgia, Zimbabwe et al compete for the trophy. The champion gets promoted to the World Cup, taking the place of the WC's bottom finisher.

    I had the chance to experience it myself as it was staged here in Chile about two years ago, and it's great stuff. Actually three of my Uni rugby teammates are preparing to compete in the upcoming tournament, so best of luck to them!

  • wobbalies
    1:11 AM 08/06/2012

    There us a second tier comp called the Junior World Rugby Trophy. This year Tonga, Russia, USA, Japan, Chile, Canada, Georgia and Zimbabwe are playing.

  • besthookerintown
    11:54 PM 07/06/2012

    i'm not trying to provoke an internet fight, but is it just me or are these junior world cups slightly ridiculously one sided. I mean countries Scotland, Italy, Fiji and Samao getting a beating like that can't be good for them or for rugby as a whole.

    I'm maybe just saying should there be two tiers of rugby world cup?? And shouldn't countries like the U.S, Canada, Georgia and other growing nations be invited. I think as a whole it would greatly rise the standard of rugby world wide.

    Just a discussion topic not trying to start a fight.

  • besthookerintown
    11:54 PM 07/06/2012

    i'm not trying to provoke an internet fight, but is it just me or are these junior world cups slightly ridiculously one sided. I mean countries Scotland, Italy, Fiji and Samao getting a beating like that can't be good for them or for rugby as a whole.

    I'm maybe just saying should there be two tiers of rugby world cup?? And shouldn't countries like the U.S, Canada, Georgia and other growing nations be invited. I think as a whole it would greatly rise the standard of rugby world wide.

    Just a discussion topic not trying to start a fight.

  • cedricxv
    11:06 PM 06/06/2012

    Finally registered after watching hours of your videos and reading your comments...

    It was great watching this youth rugby. A bit desapointed by the Samoa though.... They could do much better if more serious...

    About France-Argentina: this match proves prefering heavy player for 12-13 is not always the better choice. They were ridiculised by the amazing skills of the Argentinian, particularly their incredible number 15.

    CedricXV (a Frenchie)

  • rugbydump
    9:19 PM 06/06/2012

    Yes, the IRB are doing a great job with the highlights so they'll be shared and archived here again soon.

  • rugbydump
    9:18 PM 06/06/2012

    You're welcome, good to hear it

  • guy
    8:51 PM 06/06/2012

    Ahhhhhh, the English with their blue strip and the Marseillaise... ;-)

    The Irish must have been really annoyed and simultaniously energized by the way their anthem got screwed over.

    That Argentine 15 looks the works. Incredible movements, hope to see more of him.

    Couple of contenders for try of the century...lol.

    And last but not least: thanks for posting this RD. Hope there's more to come...

  • thamesrowingclub
    8:02 PM 06/06/2012

    I loved watching this. Thanks RugbyDump!

  • stubby
    5:59 PM 06/06/2012

    Great job Ireland
    Fantastic job Argentina! woW