- England, Ireland, New Zealand unbeaten with commanding wins.
- Argentina surprises with dominant victory over South Africa.
- Italy secures historic first win against Australia.
- Semifinal race intensifies with standout performances and upsets.
England, Ireland, and New Zealand Maintain Perfect Records
In a thrilling turn of events at the World Rugby U20 Championship 2024, teams vying for semifinal spots showcased grit and determination on Thursday. England, Ireland, and New Zealand continued their dominant form with convincing victories, while Argentina and Italy made headlines with stunning upsets.
England, Ireland, and New Zealand Shine
England’s Commanding Presence
England asserted their dominance with a resounding 48-11 win over Fiji, marking their second consecutive bonus-point victory. Despite initial challenges, including a sin-bin, England’s disciplined play and strategic scrummaging powered them to another decisive triumph.
Ireland’s Clinical Performance
Ireland displayed clinical precision, securing their second consecutive bonus-point victory against Georgia with a 22-16 scoreline. Despite Georgia’s resilient defense and a brief lead change, Ireland’s relentless attack and strategic prowess ensured a hard-fought win.
New Zealand’s Thrilling Comeback
New Zealand staged a thrilling second-half comeback against France in a nail-biting encounter, emerging victorious with a 27-26 scoreline. Their resilience and tactical adjustments under pressure showcased why they remain formidable contenders in the championship.
Argentina and Italy’s Upsets
Argentina’s Dominance
Argentina stunned the hosts, South Africa, with an impressive 31-12 victory, fueled by a strong forward presence and strategic prowess in challenging weather conditions. Their commanding performance highlighted their determination to advance in the tournament.
Italy’s Historic Triumph
Italy secured a historic first victory over Australia, edging out their opponents 17-12 in a physical battle. Despite adverse weather conditions, Italy’s tenacious defense and strategic mauling proved decisive in a closely contested match.
Notable Performances
England’s Dominance: Angus Hall and Toby Cousins shine with four tries each, boosting England’s tally to 8 tries in total.
Ireland’s Precision: Hugh Gavin’s brilliant line leads to a crucial try, contributing to Ireland’s 22-point victory over Georgia.
New Zealand’s Comeback: Aki Tuivailala’s powerful line break and Stanley Solomon’s chip-and-chase assist New Zealand in scoring 27 points against France.
Argentina’s Forward Power: Juan Greising Revol and Juan Pedro Bernasconi lead Argentina with two tries each, securing a 31-12 victory over South Africa.
Italy’s Defensive Resolve: Luca Bellucci’s crucial try and Valerio Siciliano’s forward play help Italy to a historic 17-12 win against Australia.
