New Zealand under-20s overpower Italy to book semifinal with France at World Rugby Junior Championship

Wednesday, 8 July 2026

Halfback Charlie Sinton and the New Zealand under-20s have set up a semifinal showdown with France (file pic).

At Aia Arena, Kutaisi, Georgia: New Zealand under-20s 45 (Cohen Norrie 2, Bradley Tocker, David Lewai, Josh Findlay, Lautasi Etuale, Siale Pahulu tries; Logan Williams 3, Norrie 2 con) Italy under-20s 15 (Giacomo Falchetto, Enoch Opoku-Gyamfi, David Luisato tries) HT: 26-10.

The New Zealand under-20s have set up a juicy semifinal clash with France at the World Rugby Junior Championship.

Coached by Kane Jury, the New Zealand under-20s remained unbeaten, overpowering Italy 45-15 in their final pool match in Kutaisi, Georgia, on Tuesday (NZ time). New Zealand beat Japan 38-21 and Scotland 36-26 in their earlier pool matches.

That sets up a semifinal showdown with great rivals France on Tuesday (2am NZT) in the Georgian capital, Tbilisi. Defending champions South Africa will meet England in the other semifinal.

It will be rematch of last year’s semifinal in Italy, won 34-26 by New Zealand.

New Zealand are chasing their first under-20 world rugby title since 2017 when they thumped England 64-17 in the final with the tournament also held in Georgia. Despite their recent title drought, New Zealand have won their past 10 pool stage matches at the Junior World Championship, which is their most successful run since winning their first 13 between 2008 and 2012.

Even with highly-touted Southland and Highlanders first five Mika Muliaina a late scratching due to injury, the New Zealand under-20s had too much firepower for Italy.

They outscored the Italians seven tries to three, pulling away in the second half, scoring three tries within a 10 minute span.

New Zealand took a 26-10 lead into halftime.

Italy could not have asked for a better start with Giacomo Falchetto pulling in an intercept and racing away to score to give them a dream beginning. Normal service eventually resumed with New Zealand getting into their rhythm on attack, scoring four first half tries.

Auckland’s Cohen Norrie, who switched from fullback to first five in place of the injured Muliaina, scored two tries in the win, also adding two conversions.

Their other tries were scored by Bradley Tocker, David Lewai, Josh Findlay, Lautasi Etuale and Siale Pahulu.

France will be another challenge altogether in the semifinal, having edged Australia 34-29 to top their pool and secure their spot in the last four.