U20 Six Nations champions France are the clear favourites in Kutaisi, but Australia bring serious Super Rugby pedigree and Spain have proven they can push the best. Fiji return after relegation in 2024, desperate to end a long pool-stage drought.

The fixtures

France v Fiji — AIA Arena, Kutaisi | Saturday 27 June | 18:00 local (16:00 CEST, 14:00 GMT)

Australia v Spain — AIA Arena, Kutaisi | Saturday 27 June | 20:30 local (18:30 CEST, 16:30 GMT, 02:30 AEST Sunday)

France v Fiji

France arrive in Georgia as genuine title contenders after a perfect U20 Six Nations campaign — five wins from five, capped by a 31-28 victory over England in the final round. Three-time champions and runners-up in 2024, Cédric Laborde’s side have finished in the top four in each of the last six editions and lost just two of their 18 pool matches since 2017. They are a side who know how to win tournaments.

Captain Lucas Andjisseramatchi leads from openside flanker, flanked by Raphaël Audebert and Elyjah Ibsaiene in a back row built for impact. Baptiste Tilloles and Diego Jurd form the half-back partnership, with the exciting centre pairing of Bastien Rasal and Timéo Frier tasked with shutting down the spaces Fiji love to exploit. Axel Guillaud starts at fullback, with Dylan Noudofinin Cazemajou and Hugo Avogadro on the wings.

The statistical case for France is compelling. At last year’s tournament they beat an average of 31.4 defenders per match — more than any other side — while missing the fewest tackles (15.6 per game). In the U20 Six Nations, they were the only team to make more than 30 line breaks (49 in total), conceding just 13, with nearly 43 per cent of those breaks resulting in a try.

Luka Keletaona, the highly-rated fly-half who signed for Toulon from Brive on a long-term deal earlier this year, provides quality cover from the bench and is considered one of France’s most exciting young playmakers.

Fiji return to the Junior World Championship after relegation in 2024, and their record at this level is a concern — 16 consecutive pool-stage defeats, with their last victory at this stage coming against Samoa in 2012. Their best-ever finish of sixth came in 2011 in Italy, their only other appearance on European soil. But Fijian rugby at any level is never predictable, and new coach Andrew Tui Osborne has bolstered the squad with France-based players.

Co-captains Isoa Koroinawai and Maleli Nauvasi lead a side that completed a recent tour of South Africa as preparation. France have won all five previous meetings at this level by at least 12 points, but Fiji’s ability to produce moments of individual brilliance means Les Bleuets cannot afford to switch off.

France: 15 Axel Guillaud, 14 Dylan Noudofinin Cazemajou, 13 Timéo Frier, 12 Bastien Rasal, 11 Hugo Avogadro, 10 Diego Jurd, 9 Baptiste Tilloles; 1 Mathéo Frisach, 2 Gabin Garault, 3 Maël Turpin, 4 Baptiste Veschambre, 5 Romeo Bonnard Martin, 6 Raphaël Audebert, 7 Lucas Andjisseramatchi (capt), 8 Elyjah Ibsaiene. Replacements: 16 Yanis Basse, 17 Edouard Jabea Njocke, 18 Alexandre Langlois, 19 Alban Portat, 20 Bobby Bissu, 21 Nathan Llaveria, 22 Luka Keletaona, 23 Diego Mascarenc.

Fiji: 15 Tevita Vuniwaqa Ledua, 14 Apete Gauna Rokosuka, 13 Maleli Nauvasi (co-capt), 12 Faimalaga Tuvalu, 11 Sevuloni Rakoto Sauleirogo Satala, 10 Isikeli Bari Ratu, 9 Epeli Rokosemani Vocea; 1 Sylvestre Vakauliafa, 2 Isaac Jacob Rauluni, 3 Raymond Navunikaba, 4 Ratu Apenisa Naevo, 5 Marley Chandra, 6 Setareki Turagacoke, 7 Mosese Tamaniceva Tuvasu Tabuakoto, 8 Isoa Koroinawai (co-capt). Replacements: 16 Ratu Osea Dasalusalu, 17 Marika Koroi, 18 Jehoshua Paul Serupepeli Ratulomai, 19 Savenaca Qabale, 20 Ravuama Jabez Samo, 21 Ratu Epeli Roseruvakula, 22 Netani Immanuel Shane Lesimaikimatuku, 23 Sailosi Vodonaivalu Taka.

Referee: Morgan White (Hong Kong China)

Australia v Spain

The evening match sees Australia’s Junior Wallabies open their campaign against a Spain side competing in their third consecutive Junior World Championship — a remarkable achievement for a nation whose rugby programme continues to develop rapidly.

Australia head coach Chris Whitaker has made several changes from the U20 Rugby Championship squad, most notably thrusting Queensland Reds star Treyvon Pritchard straight into the starting side at inside centre. The 19-year-old has turned heads during his debut Super Rugby Pacific season, making the majority of his appearances off the bench for the Reds and finishing the campaign with two tries. He is widely tipped for a Wallabies debut in the near future.

Pritchard forms an all-Queensland midfield alongside Taione Taka, with Leo Jaques ruled out with a hamstring injury. Tom Farr-Jones, nephew of 1991 Rugby World Cup-winning captain Nick Farr-Jones, makes his debut on the wing, with Sevens star Cooper Watters on the other flank. Captain Tom Robinson leads from openside flanker, and the squad includes 27 Super Rugby Pacific contracted players.

The bench features two notable additions from French club academies — Lehopoame Leota of Racing 92 and Kingbenjamin Swerling-Finaipepe of Castres. Their selection marks the first time Australian players have been picked for the Junior World Championship while contracted to overseas clubs rather than one of Australia’s four Super Rugby franchises. Sevens rising star Wallace Charlie, signed by the Western Force for 2027, also provides impact from the bench.

Australia have twice been Junior World Championship runners-up (2010 and 2019) and finished fifth last year in Italy. They lost to New Zealand and eventual champions South Africa in this year’s U20 Rugby Championship but beat Argentina 32-30 in their final match, showing they can compete with the best when the margins are fine.

Spain, coached by Ricardo Martinena, are in their third Junior World Championship and captain Marçal Carreras has set an ambitious target for his side. “Beating a tier one team and getting to the play-offs,” Martinena said of Spain’s objectives in Georgia. It is a bold aim, but not an unrealistic one — Los Leones pushed Argentina to within three points (33-30) and lost 35-25 to Wales last year, while a 38-37 defeat to Ireland in the 11th-place play-off required a 79th-minute try to deny them a famous win.

Carreras leads from number eight, with the experienced Daniel Chico at loosehead and Unax Salvador at openside. Half-backs Bernat Fernández and Alfonso Enciso direct operations, while fullback Telmo Fisher anchors the back three. Versatile back Oriol Marsinyac, who made his senior Spain debut in the Rugby Europe Championship earlier this year, provides quality cover from the bench.

Australia: 15 Chayse Geros, 14 Tom Farr-Jones, 13 Taione Taka, 12 Treyvon Pritchard, 11 Cooper Watters, 10 Finn Mackay, 9 Angus Grover; 1 Jacob Job, 2 Ewald Kruger, 3 Edwin Langi, 4 William Ross, 5 Kenneth Harris, 6 Luca Cleverley, 7 Tom Robinson (capt), 8 Eli Langi. Replacements: 16 Charles Hollyman, 17 Kingbenjamin Swerling-Finaipepe, 18 Lehopoame Leota, 19 Isaac Fonua, 20 TJ Talaileva, 21 Sam Blank, 22 Charlie Bird, 23 Wallace Charlie.

Spain: 15 Telmo Fisher, 14 Jorge Garreta, 13 Marcos López, 12 Carlos de la Fuente, 11 Pelayo Serrano, 10 Alfonso Enciso, 9 Bernat Fernández; 1 Daniel Chico, 2 Iván Farace, 3 Daniel Navarro, 4 Manex Pujana, 5 Marco Radizza, 6 Miguel Narvarte, 7 Unax Salvador, 8 Marçal Carreras (capt). Replacements: 16 Lucas Official, 17 Mauro Del Campo, 18 Solomon Ibeoba, 19 Unax Carballo, 20 Max Artigas, 21 Manuel Vázquez, 22 Mateo Antem, 23 Oriol Marsinyac.

Referee: Kevin Bralley (France)

Pool D outlook

France are the overwhelming favourites to win the pool, but the real intrigue lies in the battle for second place between Australia and Spain. The Junior Wallabies’ Super Rugby depth and the inclusion of overseas-based talent gives them an edge on paper, but Spain have shown repeatedly that they are capable of pushing higher-ranked sides to the final minutes.

The pool’s defining match could well be France versus Australia on 7 July, a fixture that could determine which side tops the group and goes through to the semi-finals. But Saturday’s opening fixtures will set the tone, and neither France nor Australia can afford a slow start.

Pool D continues on Thursday 2 July when France face Spain (13:00 local) and Australia take on Fiji (15:30 local).

Record six-time champions New Zealand begin their quest to reclaim the title they last won in Georgia in 2017, while Italy and Scotland renew their U20 Six Nations rivalry at the AIA Arena in Kutaisi.

The fixtures

Italy v Scotland — AIA Arena, Kutaisi | Saturday 27 June | 13:00 local (10:00 BST, 09:00 GMT)

New Zealand v Japan — AIA Arena, Kutaisi | Saturday 27 June | 15:30 local (23:30 NZST, 20:30 JST, 11:30 GMT)

Italy v Scotland

Pool B’s opening fixture is a rematch of a U20 Six Nations encounter earlier this year, and both sides will view this as a must-win match if they are to harbour any hopes of challenging New Zealand for the pool’s top spot.

Italy head coach Andrea Di Giandomenico names captain Riccardo Casarin at inside centre, the all-action midfielder who topped both the jackal count (10) and dominant contact stats (15) across the entire U20 Six Nations earlier this year. The Azzurrini reached a best-ever seventh-place finish on home soil last year, including a famous 18-16 victory over Ireland and a thrilling 19-19 draw with Georgia in the pool stage, and will be determined to prove that was no anomaly.

Francesco Braga starts at fly-half with Nikolaj Varotto at scrumhalf, while Jaheim Noel Wilson and Antony Italo Miranda provide athleticism in the back row either side of number eight Davide Sette. Lock Enoch Opoku-Gyamfi adds physical presence, and the back three of Alessandro Ragusi, Luca Rossi and David Luisato offers pace out wide.

Italy have an uncomfortable history with relegation battles at this level — they found themselves in the relegation play-off five times between 2011 and 2016 and dropped into the U20 Trophy in 2013 — but recent trajectory is firmly upward. A strong opening result against Scotland would set the tone.

Scotland head coach Fergus Pringle has named co-captains Joe Roberts and Ross Wolfenden to lead the side in Kutaisi. Hooker Roberts packs down in the front row alongside loosehead Jamie Stewart and tighthead Ollie Blyth-Lafferty, while Dan Halkon returns to the second row for a second consecutive Junior World Championship.

The back division features several intriguing selections. Matthew Fick earns a first full Scotland U20 start at scrumhalf, lining up alongside fly-half Jake Dalziel, whose star has been rising sharply. The Melrose product started all five matches during the U20 Six Nations, made the four-man shortlist for player of the tournament, and has since signed a full-time rookie contract with the Newcastle Red Bulls.

Henry Kesterton returns at outside centre after injury curtailed a bright start to the Six Nations, while Dan Kelly makes his full debut on the right wing. The replacements bench is loaded with six forwards, reflecting Scotland’s intent to match Italy’s physicality.

“The players have worked really hard in the lead up to the Junior World Championship which is the ultimate test in age grade international rugby,” Pringle said. “We know the challenge that lies ahead, and the group are determined to rise to the occasion in what will be a very tough contest against a strong Italian team.”

Scotland returned to the top table last year as U20 Trophy winners but found the step up brutal, losing all three pool matches before a spirited win over Ireland in the ninth-place semi-final. They finished 10th and will be desperate to improve on that showing. Their highest-ever finish of fifth came in 2017 — the last time the tournament was held in Georgia.

Italy: 15 Alessandro Ragusi, 14 Luca Rossi, 13 Luca De Novellis, 12 Riccardo Casarin (capt), 11 David Luisato, 10 Francesco Braga, 9 Nikolaj Varotto; 1 Christian Brasini, 2 Valerio Pelli, 3 Erik Meroi, 4 Simone Fardin, 5 Enoch Opoku-Gyamfi, 6 Antony Italo Miranda, 7 Jaheim Noel Wilson, 8 Davide Sette. Replacements: 16 Ettore Dinarte, 17 Emiliano Mastropasqua, 18 Luca Trevisan, 19 Marco Spreafichi, 20 Carlo Antonio Bianchi, 21 Mattia Andretti, 22 Roberto Fasti, 23 Giacomo Falchetto.

Scotland: 15 Rory McHaffie, 14 Dan Kelly, 13 Henry Kesterton, 12 Ross Wolfenden (co-capt), 11 Nairn Moncrieff, 10 Jake Dalziel, 9 Matthew Fick; 1 Jamie Stewart, 2 Joe Roberts (co-capt), 3 Ollie Blyth-Lafferty, 4 Alfie Blackett, 5 Dan Halkon, 6 Christian Lindsay, 7 Jack Utterson, 8 Harry Jackaman. Replacements: 16 Jamie McAughtrie, 17 Will Pearce, 18 Jackson Rennie, 19 Sam Byrd, 20 Harvey Preston, 21 Oliver Finlayson-Russell, 22 Asa Stewart-Harris, 23 Alex Bryden.

Referee: Robbie Jenkinson (Ireland)

New Zealand v Japan

The afternoon fixture sees the pool’s heavyweight open their campaign against a Japan side still searching for a first pool-stage win in 18 attempts at this level.

New Zealand have won this tournament a record six times — including the first four editions between 2008 and 2011 — but have not lifted the trophy since 2017, the last time Georgia hosted. That side contained the likes of Will Jordan, Caleb Clarke, Luke Jacobson and Asafo Aumua, and the class of 2026 will be keen to write their own chapter.

Head coach Kane Jury has named midfielder Haki Wiseman as captain, with openside Caleb Woodley and halfback Charlie Sinton as vice-captains. The squad features two All Blacks Sevens players in loose forward Bradley Tocker and wing Kele Lasaqa, the latter arriving in Georgia on a high after being named the men’s SVNS Rookie of the Year following a maiden season with the national sevens programme. Fly-half Mika Muliaina — son of former All Black Mils Muliaina — starts at 10, while brothers Max and Micah Fale pack down together at lock and number eight respectively.

“We’ve had a strong preparation here in Georgia and are feeling positive ahead of the first match,” Jury said. “We’ve had a week to adapt to the heat and the facilities here in Georgia have been excellent. We expect a tough first up match against Japan, who we expect to be very well drilled and play a fast paced game, so we’ll need to be at our best.”

New Zealand finished as runners-up to South Africa at both last year’s tournament and this year’s U20 Rugby Championship, where a thrilling 29-29 draw at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium was not enough to deny the Junior Springboks the title. Patrick Mauga is the notable absentee through injury. Wiseman said the squad can draw on the legacy of 2017 as motivation.

“As the weeks go on, we will definitely tap in to the history and legacy which they created here,” the captain said. “We want to try and defend that.”

Japan head coach Naoya Okubo has named inside centre Tsunehidemichi Fukuda as captain for a side that toured New Zealand in preparation for this tournament. The 19-year-old emerged as one of Japan’s finest young prospects earlier this year when he was vice-captain of the Japan High Schools side that secured a first-ever victory over England U19 in Oxford. The tour of New Zealand produced a narrow 33-31 defeat in the opening match before heavier losses, but should have provided invaluable preparation for what awaits in Kutaisi.

“We’re coming into the tournament well prepared after our forwards’ training camp in February, our sessions with League One teams and the JAPAN XV, and our tour to New Zealand,” Okubo said. “The guys have been giving 100% every day to prepare for our opening match, while also enjoying their time together in Georgia. The atmosphere and mood among the squad is excellent.”

Japan’s record at this level is sobering — 16 consecutive defeats since a 2015 victory over Samoa — and they have never won a pool-stage match in 18 attempts. But Okubo’s side have prepared thoroughly and will look to use their pace and structure to test New Zealand early.

New Zealand: 15 Logan Williams, 14 Kele Lasaqa, 13 Siale Pahulu, 12 Haki Wiseman (capt), 11 David Lewai, 10 Mika Muliaina, 9 Charlie Sinton (vice-capt); 1 Henry Stuart, 2 Josh Findlay, 3 Dane Johnston, 4 Max Fale, 5 Jake Frost, 6 Bradley Tocker, 7 Caleb Woodley (vice-capt), 8 Micah Fale. Replacements: 16 Alani Fakava, 17 Ethan Webber, 18 Alex Hewitt, 19 Johnny Falloon, 20 Kobe Brownlee, 21 Jackson Hughan, 22 Cohen Norrie, 23 Ollie Guerin.

Japan: 15 Ryuto Koga, 14 Shinnosuke Uchida, 13 Rio Iwakura, 12 Tsunehidemichi Fukuda (capt), 11 Isa Fukada, 10 Takeru Niwa, 9 Soshi Kataoka; 1 Song Ha Ri, 2 Sota Miura, 3 Haruto Sasaki, 4 Kotaro Kumagae, 5 Masoto Hyakutake, 6 Riku Fujikubo, 7 Kise Sin, 8 Masato Yanase. Replacements: 16 Seia Kawanai, 17 Keigo Aruga, 18 Kanta Kawagoe, 19 Taiga Yamazaki, 20 Chikara Fukunda, 21 Keigo Sato, 22 Yuki Kobayashi, 23 Gentaro Sakata.

Referee: Luke Rogan (USA)

Pool B outlook

New Zealand are strong favourites to top the group and advance to the semi-finals, but the battle between Italy and Scotland for second place could be one of the most compelling sub-plots across all four pools. Italy’s upward trajectory under Di Giandomenico and the steeliness of captain Casarin make them slight favourites, but Scotland’s fighting spirit and the influence of Dalziel at fly-half give them a genuine chance.

Japan face a steep learning curve, but their thorough preparation — including three matches in New Zealand — means they will not be pushovers, and their fast-paced style could cause problems for sides who take them lightly.

Pool B continues on Thursday 2 July when New Zealand face Scotland (18:00 local) and Italy take on Japan (20:30 local).

The defending champions open against Uruguay before Wales take on buoyant hosts Georgia in Tbilisi’s Avchala Stadium on Saturday evening.

The fixtures

Wales v Georgia — Avchala Stadium, Tbilisi | Saturday 27 June | 18:00 local (15:00 BST, 14:00 GMT)

South Africa v Uruguay — Avchala Stadium, Tbilisi | Saturday 27 June | 20:30 local (18:30 SAST, 16:30 GMT)

Wales v Georgia

Pool A’s curtain-raiser could set the tone for the entire group. Wales arrive as the more experienced tournament side but Georgia carry the momentum — and the home crowd.

The Junior Lelos stunned New Zealand’s U20s 22-19 in a warm-up match in Rustavi earlier this month, and head coach Viktor Kolelishvili has kept faith with virtually the same starting XV. The only change sees hooker Giorgi Agniashvili replace Anri Shvelidze, who picked up a first-half knock in that victory. Captain Luka Narsia leads from openside flanker, while the man who could define Georgia’s tournament operates off the back of the scrum: RC Toulon number eight Mikheil Shioshvili finished as the leading try-scorer at last year’s championship with seven and will relish performing on home soil.

Georgia came agonisingly close to the semi-finals in 2023, missing out on head-to-head record to South Africa, and have finished ninth in each of the last two editions. A partisan Tbilisi crowd will fancy their chances of going further this time around.

Wales head coach Richard Whiffin has named 10 players who featured in last year’s tournament in his starting XV. Cardiff Rugby centre Steffan Emanuel — appearing in his third Junior World Championship — shares the captaincy with Gloucester flanker Deian Gwynne. Scarlets lock Will Evans makes his Wales debut alongside Tom Cottle in a new second-row combination, while Ospreys flanker Sam Morgan and Bristol Bears scrumhalf Cai Gealy are in line for first caps from the bench.

“It’s going to be a great occasion taking on Georgia in their home patch in front of their hostile crowd,” Whiffin said. “We know it is going to be a big physical challenge against what is a formidable pack, however we feel we have got plenty of weapons which can counter-act that.”

Whiffin also stressed the importance of a fast start in a pool with quick five-day turnarounds between fixtures. The two sides have met twice before at this level, with Wales winning 40-21 in Paarl in 2023, while Georgia narrowly lost 10-9 to Wales in their debut tournament in 2016.

Wales: 15 Lewis Edwards, 14 Rhys Cummings, 13 Osian Darwin-Lewis, 12 Steffan Emanuel (co-capt), 11 Tom Bowen, 10 Carwyn Leggatt-Jones, 9 Siôn Davies; 1 George Tuckley, 2 Tom Howe, 3 Jac Pritchard, 4 Will Evans, 5 Tom Cottle, 6 Deian Gwynne (co-capt), 7 Caio James, 8 Evan Minto. Replacements: 16 Oscar Thomas, 17 Dylan James, 18 Yestyn Cook, 19 Osian Williams, 20 Sam Morgan, 21 Cai Gealy, 22 Lloyd Lucas, 23 Dylan Scott.

Georgia: 15 Nikoloz Khalvashi, 14 Luka Tabatadze, 13 Leonide Saldadze, 12 Davit Barbakadze, 11 Avtandil Zviadadze, 10 Mate Makharadze, 9 Temur Dzodzuashvili; 1 Giorgi Turashvili, 2 Giorgi Agniashvili, 3 Gabriel Razmadze, 4 Davit Baramia, 5 Nikoloz Chkhortolia, 6 Giorgi Zazadze, 7 Luka Narsia (capt), 8 Mikheil Shioshvili. Replacements: 16 Davit Archvadze, 17 Nikoloz Balanchivadze, 18 Levan Ezieshvili, 19 Andria Bilanishvili, 20 Giorgi Ardzenadze, 21 Irakli Kolbaia, 22 Dachi Tsiklauri, 23 Data Akhvlediani.

Referee: George Selwood (England)

South Africa v Uruguay

The evening match sees the Junior Springboks begin their title defence against a side making only their second appearance at the tournament in 17 years.

South Africa’s preparations have been exemplary. They won the U20 Rugby Championship title before hosting the U20 International Series in Cape Town, where they beat Chile, Fiji and Georgia to complete a clean sweep. Head coach Kevin Foote is overseeing the Junior Boks for the second time at this tournament and has built a squad with impressive depth and continuity.

Loosehead prop Rambo Kubheka captains the side in the opener, with squad skipper Siphosethu Mnebelele named among the replacements as part of a five-three forwards-backs bench split. Kubheka, part of last year’s title-winning squad, admitted the honour caught him off guard.

“If someone had told me a year ago that I would be leading the team as captain in our first match, I would have thought that was a joke,” Kubheka said. “We are going in with our own goals. We are not dwelling on past achievements.”

Fly-half Alzeadon Felix starts in the number 10 jersey with Yaqeen Ahmed suspended, while Luan Giliomee — a Blitzbok sevens international — lines up at fullback. The midfield of Ethan Adams and Markus Muller, who became the youngest player to debut for the DHL Stormers in April, is an exciting combination. Cheswill Jooste, a key figure in last year’s triumph, provides experienced cover from the bench after arriving late from URC duties with the Bulls.

“Competition for places is incredibly high, which is exactly what you want as a coach,” Foote said. “There is a quick turnaround time between matches, so player load management will be crucial for us.”

Foote also framed the team’s broader objectives beyond silverware: “We want to make sure that we produce future Springboks. We already started having guys in there, which shows Rassie and his team trust our programme.”

Uruguay, coached by Guillermo Storace, last tasted this level of competition in 2009 in Japan, where they finished 16th. Los Teritos earned their return through strong performances at the U20 Trophy, finishing runners-up in 2023 and fourth in 2024. The key man is fly-half Justo Ferrario, who has already earned a senior cap for Uruguay after his debut against Portugal last November. Ferrario was one of Peñarol Rugby’s standout performers in Super Rugby Americas — a quick, intelligent playmaker with excellent footwork.

“Being here in Georgia is very emotional and the spirit of the group is very high,” said captain Ignacio Merli, who is named among the replacements. “We are going to take the opportunity to keep improving and enjoy it a lot.”

The step up from the U20 Trophy to the Junior World Championship is significant, and an opening match against the reigning champions represents a baptism of fire. But Uruguay have nothing to lose and plenty to prove.

South Africa: 15 Luan Giliomee, 14 Khuthadzo Rasivhaga, 13 Markus Muller, 12 Ethan Adams, 11 Jordan Steenkamp, 10 Alzeadon Felix, 9 Hendré Schoeman; 1 Rambo Kubheka (capt), 2 Liam van Wyk, 3 Luan van der Berg, 4 Jaythen Orange, 5 JD Hattingh, 6 Risima Khosa, 7 Gert Kemp, 8 Vuyo Gwiji. Replacements: 16 Siphosethu Mnebelele, 17 Jordan Jooste, 18 Danie Kruger, 19 Thomas Beling, 20 Wasi Vyambwera, 21 Jayden Brits, 22 Akahluwa Boqwana, 23 Cheswill Jooste.

Uruguay: 15 Nicolas Pittaluga, 14 Bruno Baccino, 13 Mateo Acosta, 12 Vicente Alvarez, 11 Bruno Primavesi, 10 Justo Ferrario, 9 Mateo Ibarburu; 1 German Gonzalez, 2 Sebastian Perez, 3 Juan Francisco Bessio, 4 Nicolas Mattsson, 5 Piero Veglio, 6 Pedro Suarez, 7 Alex Sonneveld, 8 Manuel Ponte. Replacements: 16 Jose Candia Sciarra, 17 Dario Rodriguez, 18 Sebastian Dalmao Rivero, 19 Guillermo Curuchet, 20 Ignacio Merli, 21 Pierre Cotarmanac’h, 22 Juan Francisco Pereira, 23 Joaquin Fresnedo.

Referee: Ruairidh Campbell (Scotland)

Pool A outlook

South Africa are heavy favourites to top the group, but the real battle could be for second place — which earns a shot at the fifth-to-eighth place bracket. Georgia’s warm-up win over New Zealand and the energy of a home crowd make them genuine contenders, while Wales’s tournament pedigree and experienced core cannot be discounted.

This tournament also marks a significant first: it is the inaugural international competition to trial World Rugby’s reduced tackle-height law, adding a tactical layer that could take time for all sides to adjust to.

Pool A continues on Thursday 2 July when Wales face Uruguay (13:00 local) and South Africa take on Georgia (20:30 local).