France take on defending champions South Africa in a mouthwatering final at the Mikheil Meskhi Stadium in Tbilisi on Saturday evening, but all 16 teams are in action across two days as the 2026 Junior World Championship reaches its conclusion in Georgia.

The fixtures

Friday 17 July — AIA Arena, Kutaisi:

15th-place play-off: USA v Uruguay (18:00 local, 15:00 BST, 14:00 GMT)

13th-place play-off: Japan v Spain (20:30 local, 17:30 BST, 16:30 GMT)

Friday 17 July — Avchala Stadium, Tbilisi:

7th-place play-off: Argentina v Australia (18:00 local, 15:00 BST, 14:00 GMT)

5th-place play-off: Scotland v Wales (20:30 local, 17:30 BST, 16:30 GMT)

Saturday 18 July — AIA Arena, Kutaisi:

11th-place play-off: Georgia v Fiji (18:00 local, 15:00 BST, 14:00 GMT)

9th-place play-off: Italy v Ireland (20:30 local, 17:30 BST, 16:30 GMT)

Saturday 18 July — Mikheil Meskhi Stadium, Tbilisi:

3rd-place play-off: New Zealand v England (18:00 local, 15:00 BST, 14:00 GMT)

Final: France v South Africa (20:30 local, 17:30 BST, 16:30 GMT)

---

Final: France v South Africa

This has all the makings of a classic as two sides dripping with pace, power and skill meet in a first-ever Junior World Championship final between the nations. France are aiming to lift the trophy for a fourth time while the Junior Springboks are bidding to create history by winning back-to-back titles for the first time.

Cédric Laborde has kept faith with the exact XV that beat New Zealand 26-22 in the semi-final, when centre Adrien Drault scored a dramatic 76th-minute try to seal a famous victory. The settled front row of Mathéo Frisach, Gabin Garault and Alexandre Langlois is retained, with the second-row pairing of Baptiste Veschambre and Roméo Bonnard Martin continuing their effective partnership. Captain Lucas Andjisseramatchi, a fixture in the starting side throughout the tournament, is again joined in the back row by Raphaël Audebert and Elyjah Ibsaiene.

Behind the scrum, the half-back combination of Baptiste Tilloles and Luka Keletaona has been a consistent platform, with Drault and Bastien Rasal renewing their centre partnership. Paul Cellio Zwiler, who joined the squad during the tournament after Tom Lêveque’s withdrawal, continues on the wing alongside Melvyn Rates, with Axel Guillaud at fullback.

Kevin Foote has made three changes to the Junior Springboks side that overpowered England 53-37 in their semi-final. Wasi Vyambwera starts at number eight with Gert Kemp moving to the bench, while Risima Khosa earns a start at flanker. The only backline change is enforced — Alzeadon Felix comes in at fullback for Luan Giliomee, who received a red card in the semi-final.

The experienced front-row combination of Oliver Reid, captain Siphosethu Mnebelele and Danie Kruger anchors the scrum, with Heinrich Theron and JD Hattingh continuing in the second row. Fly-half Yaqeen Ahmed, who finished with 23 points against England, partners Hendré Schoeman at half-back behind a midfield of Ethan Adams and Markus Muller. Khuthadzo Rasivhaga and Cheswill Jooste provide pace on the wings.

The Junior Springboks will wear black armbands in Saturday’s final as a mark of respect for former SA Under-18 prop Luqobo Makwedini, who passed away on 10 July at the end of a training session with his French club, AS Béziers Hérault.

“We want to continue playing the South African way,” said Foote. “That means using our physicality to create momentum, winning the gain-line battle and playing with tempo and intensity. Our set piece will be important in providing a solid platform, but we will also need to be smart and accurate, particularly on defence.”

Foote praised the squad’s collective mentality throughout the tournament: “The outstanding quality of this group is the bond they share and how much they enjoy representing South Africa. France are a very formidable side and fully deserve their place in the final.”

Junior Springbok fly-half Ahmed echoed the team-first theme: “It is really a team effort every day that we spend together. Those who are not in the team help the coaches prepare the guys who are playing. We have 80 minutes left of this campaign, and we will give it our absolute best.”

Captain Mnebelele was equally direct: “We are well prepared for the final match, and we are all excited to represent South Africa in the final. Our focus is to be ready to take on a very good French side who have demonstrated their abilities by reaching the final.”

France and South Africa have not met in the Junior World Championship since the 2019 semi-final, which Les Bleuets won 20-7. However, the sides did face each other in Tbilisi in 2017, when the Junior Springboks won the third-place play-off 37-15. South Africa are on their longest winning run at the tournament — 10 victories — as they look to retain their crown.

France: 15 Axel Guillaud, 14 Paul Cellio Zwiler, 13 Adrien Drault, 12 Bastien Rasal, 11 Melvyn Rates, 10 Luka Keletaona, 9 Baptiste Tilloles; 1 Mathéo Frisach, 2 Gabin Garault, 3 Alexandre Langlois, 4 Baptiste Veschambre, 5 Roméo Bonnard Martin, 6 Raphaël Audebert, 7 Lucas Andjisseramatchi (capt), 8 Elyjah Ibsaiene. Replacements: 16 Elia Masi, 17 Édouard-Junior Jabea Njocke, 18 Maël Turpin, 19 Léo Michaux, 20 Bobby Bissu, 21 Valentin Hutteau, 22 Diego Jurd, 23 Hugo Avogadro.

South Africa: 15 Alzeadon Felix (Lions), 14 Cheswill Jooste (Bulls), 13 Markus Muller (Stormers), 12 Ethan Adams (Lions), 11 Khuthadzo Rasivhaga (Sharks), 10 Yaqeen Ahmed (Stormers), 9 Hendré Schoeman (Bulls); 1 Oliver Reid (Stormers), 2 Siphosethu Mnebelele (capt, Bulls), 3 Danie Kruger (Stormers), 4 Heinrich Theron (Bulls), 5 JD Hattingh (Lions), 6 Risima Khosa (Lions), 7 Luke Cannon (Lions), 8 Wasi Vyambwera (Sharks). Replacements: 16 Liam van Wyk (Sharks), 17 Rambo Kubheka (Sharks), 18 Luan van der Berg (Bulls), 19 Jaythen Orange (Lions), 20 Thomas Beling (Lions), 21 Gert Kemp (Stormers), 22 Jayden Brits (Stormers), 23 Samuel Badenhorst (Stormers).

Referee: Reuben Keane (Australia)

---

Third-place play-off: New Zealand v England

The bronze medal is on the line as six-time champions New Zealand take on four-time winners England at the Mikheil Meskhi Stadium. Both sides will be desperate to end their campaigns on a winning note after semi-final disappointments.

Kane Jury has made five changes to the New Zealand starting XV. Alex Hewitt and Finn McLeod come into the pack at prop and lock respectively, while Jackson Hughan starts at scrumhalf. In the backline, Lautasi Etuale replaces David Lewai, who is ruled out through illness, and Logan Williams takes the fullback jersey from Cohen Norrie, who shifts to fly-half in the absence of Mika Muliaina, who is sidelined with a quadricep strain.

“A big part of our campaign has been learning to focus on the moment and the task in front of us and that’s what we’ve done this week,” said Jury. “It’s an important match and we’re motivated to finish off the campaign with a performance that reflects the effort and care the players have put into the tournament.”

England are without back-rower Seb Kelly, who is suspended for six matches following his red card in the semi-final. Andy Titterrell makes four changes to his starting XV, with Finn Keylock at centre, Jonny Weimann at scrumhalf, and forwards Jack Lewis and George Marsh earning starts. Second-row Aiden Ainsworth-Cave captains the side for his 17th and final U20 cap.

“The group has earned this opportunity through the work they’ve put in across the tournament,” said Titterrell. “This fixture is a chance to bring together everything we’ve worked on as a team and deliver a performance that reflects who we are and what we’ve built throughout the Championship.”

New Zealand have won five of their previous six meetings with England at the Junior World Championship, including a 64-17 demolition at this very venue in the 2017 final, when a side featuring future All Blacks Will Jordan, Caleb Clarke and Luke Jacobson ran riot.

New Zealand: 15 Logan Williams (Crusaders), 14 Ollie Guerin (Chiefs), 13 Siale Pahulu (Blues), 12 Haki Wiseman (capt, Chiefs), 11 Lautasi Etuale (Crusaders), 10 Cohen Norrie (Blues), 9 Jackson Hughan (Highlanders); 1 Henry Stuart (Highlanders), 2 Josh Findlay (Crusaders), 3 Alex Hewitt (Hurricanes), 4 Finn McLeod (Crusaders), 5 Jake Frost (Crusaders), 6 Bradley Tocker (Chiefs), 7 Caleb Woodley (Blues), 8 Patrick Mauga (Hurricanes). Replacements: 16 Xavier Leota (Blues), 17 Ethan Webber (Highlanders), 18 Dane Johnston (Chiefs), 19 Max Fale (Crusaders), 20 Micah Fale (Chiefs), 21 Charlie Sinton (Chiefs), 22 Jimmy Taylor (Highlanders), 23 Jake Hutchings (Blues).

England: 15 George Pearson (Leicester Tigers), 14 Tyler Offiah (Bath), 13 Nick Lilley (Exeter Chiefs), 12 Finn Keylock (Saracens), 11 Sam Winters (Bath), 10 Hugh Shields (Northampton U18), 9 Jonny Weimann (Northampton Saints); 1 Oliver Scola (Northampton Saints), 2 Jimmy Staples (Harlequins), 3 Ollie Streeter (Harlequins), 4 Elliot Williams (Harlequins), 5 Aiden Ainsworth-Cave (capt, Northampton Saints), 6 Tate Williams (Harlequins), 7 Jack Lewis (Northampton Saints), 8 George Marsh (Leicester Tigers). Replacements: 16 Jerold Gorleku (Harlequins), 17 Alan Poku (Saracens), 18 Sonny Tonga’uiha (Northampton Saints), 19 Freddie Ogden-Metherell (Gloucester), 20 Kealan Freeman-Price (Gloucester), 21 Lucas Friday (Harlequins), 22 Will Knight (Gloucester), 23 Zac Finch (Saracens).

---

Fifth-place play-off: Scotland v Wales

Scotland can emulate their best-ever Junior World Championship finish of fifth — a feat they achieved in Georgia in 2017 — by beating Wales at Avchala Stadium on Friday evening.

Fergus Pringle has made four changes following the impressive 44-26 victory over Argentina. Scrumhalf Asa Stewart-Harris and second-row Alfie Blackett come into the starting line-up, while prop Oliver McKenna and back-rower Jack Utterson return. Joe Roberts again captains the side, with Jake Dalziel continuing as vice-captain at fly-half.

“I was delighted with the way the team played against Argentina, starting well, creating opportunities and we were clinical,” said Pringle. “Wales have had a great tournament and they have big players in key positions so we know the challenge we’re up against.”

Wales, bidding for their highest placement since finishing runners-up in 2013, make three changes. Co-captain Deian Gwynne moves from blindside flanker to number eight, with Tom Cottle slotting into the six jersey and loosehead George Leyland replacing Dylan James.

Gwynne, who will graduate into senior rugby at Gloucester after this tournament, spoke of the emotional significance of the occasion: “What an opportunity we have to achieve something as a group that hasn’t been done since 2013. For many of us it will be our last chance to play together at this level.”

This will be the fourth meeting between the sides at the Junior World Championship. Scotland won the most recent encounter — the 2017 fifth-place semi-final (29-25).

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

Wales: Co-captains Deian Gwynne and Steffan Emanuel lead the side. George Leyland starts at loosehead, Gwynne at number eight, with Tom Cottle at blindside flanker. Full team to be confirmed.

---

Seventh-place play-off: Argentina v Australia

Both sides are aiming to avoid a third successive defeat as they meet at Avchala Stadium on Friday. Argentina have made seven changes, with Benjamín Farias Cerioni, Manuel Cuneo Camargo, Bautista Benavides and Jerónimo Sorondo coming into the pack and Benjamín Ledesma Arocena, Federico Serpa Laporte and Juan Preumayr joining the backline. Tournament top try-scorer Simón Pfister, with seven tries, continues at fullback.

Australia suffered four injuries in the opening quarter of their fifth-place semi-final defeat to Wales. Treyvon Pritchard, the standout Queensland Reds back, is replaced by Tom Farr-Jones, with Wallace Charlie moving to fullback. Zac Fittler joins Charlie Bird in the centres, Luca Cleverley starts in the back row and John Grenfell earns his first start of the tournament at hooker.

“The whole group are hungry to finish our Junior World Championship campaign on a high,” said Australia coach Chris Whitaker. “I’ve been proud at how our players have responded to adversity this tournament, especially with the injuries suffered to key members at vital moments.”

This is the seventh meeting between the sides at the Junior World Championship — it is three wins apiece heading into Friday.

---

Ninth-place play-off: Italy v Ireland

Italy produced their joint-biggest win in Junior World Championship history when defeating Georgia 43-19 on Monday, with all their points coming in a dominant first-half display. Head coach Andrea Di Giandomenico names captain Riccardo Casarin at inside centre, with Roberto Fasti at fly-half and Jaheim Noel Wilson continuing at number eight. Lock Enoch Opoku-Gyamfi, the former Bath forward who has a senior Italy cap to his name, provides second-row muscle.

“We are aware of the need to confirm and, if possible, improve the performance we produced against Georgia,” said Di Giandomenico. “Ireland will present us with demanding challenges in many areas of the game.”

Ireland head coach Andrew Browne has reshuffled his side after the narrow 24-19 victory over Fiji, naming Daniel Green at fullback, Charlie O’Shea at fly-half and Josh Neill as captain from blindside flanker. Rob Carney and James O’Leary form the midfield partnership.

Italy won the most recent meeting between the sides — an 18-16 pool-stage success at last year’s tournament in Viadana.

---

Eleventh-place play-off: Georgia v Fiji

Hosts Georgia will look to give their partisan support in Kutaisi reason to cheer when they face Fiji at the AIA Arena on Saturday. The Junior Lelos have made six changes from the defeat to Italy, with scrumhalf Giorgi Khonelidze making his first start of the tournament and centre Leonide Saldadze returning after missing three matches since the opening-round game against Wales.

Georgia have beaten Fiji in both of their previous Junior World Championship meetings — 12-8 in 2019 and 40-36 in 2024, both in the ninth-place semi-final and both by four-point margins.

Fiji, who have won just three of their last 24 games at the tournament, pushed Ireland all the way in their semi-final and will aim to bow out with a victory.

---

Thirteenth-place play-off: Japan v Spain

This is the first-ever meeting between Japan and Spain at the Junior World Championship. Both sides arrive in form after recording their biggest victories of the tournament last time out — Japan’s 71-21 demolition of USA ended a 19-match losing run, while Spain’s 57-6 win over Uruguay was the most points they have ever scored in the tournament.

Spain captain Marçal Carreras returns to the starting side at number eight, with Mateo Antem at fly-half and Malakai Hafoka moving to fullback. Japan make changes in the pack with Sota Miura and Kotaro Kumagae earning starts, while Keigo Sato comes in at scrumhalf.

Both sides have a first in sight — Japan have never won consecutive matches at the tournament, while Spain are targeting two wins in a single tournament for the first time.

---

Fifteenth-place play-off: USA v Uruguay

In the battle to avoid finishing last, USA take on Uruguay at AIA Arena with both eager to register a first win of the tournament. USA make just two changes from the 71-21 defeat to Japan, with Lyndon Bailey coming into the second row and Marco Lapierre starting on the wing. Uruguay have made six changes following their 57-6 loss to Spain.

The four most successful teams in Junior World Championship history — South Africa, New Zealand, England and France — won their respective pool deciders on Tuesday to set up a blockbuster semi-final weekend in Georgia. Elsewhere, hosts Georgia celebrated their first victory of the tournament, Fiji ended a 14-year pool-stage drought and Ireland cut loose against USA.

---

Pool A

South Africa 52-33 Wales

South Africa recovered from a sluggish start to show their class and book a semi-final date with England at the Avchala Stadium in Tbilisi. The Junior Springboks trailed 14-0 after just 10 minutes to a vibrant Wales side in this Pool A decider, with flanker Caio James crashing over before co-captain Steffan Emanuel scooted through a gaping hole in the midfield.

Yet Kevin Foote’s side kept their composure and hit back with four unanswered tries before the break. Hendré Schoeman went over after a brilliant scrum, Ethan Adams crossed following an inventive chip-and-regather, captain Siphosethu Mnebelele was driven over and Heinrich Theron scored from a blindside dart off a five-metre lineout to make it 26-14 at half-time.

Risima Khosa added a fifth early in the second half before Wales hit back through Osian Darwin-Lewis and the ever-dangerous Tom Bowen, who raced 40 metres untouched after Darwin-Lewis’s offload. But Liam van Wyk crossed twice from driving mauls and Mnebelele completed his brace as South Africa pulled clear. Wales claimed a late consolation through Lewis Edwards to finish with five tries of their own.

The victory extended the Junior Springboks’ winning streak at the tournament to nine matches — their longest ever — and confirmed their place as Pool A winners. Wales finished second and will face Australia in the fifth-place semi-finals.

Georgia 56-3 Uruguay

Tournament hosts Georgia picked up their first win at the third attempt to the delight of a raucous home crowd who defied rain-soaked conditions at the Avchala Stadium. The Junior Lelos had been dramatically edged out 25-24 by Wales in their opener before losing to defending champions South Africa in Round 2, but this was a victory to savour.

Early tries from prop Gabriel Razmadze, scrumhalf Temuri Dzodzuashvili and winger Luka Tabatadze put Georgia in total control before captain Luka Narsia secured the bonus point on the stroke of half-time. The highly-rated openside flanker then completed his brace shortly after the interval before registering a hat-trick late on, with Saba Nozadze and Data Akhvlediani also getting on the scoresheet.

Georgia will head to Kutaisi to face Italy in the ninth-place semi-final on Monday, while Uruguay will meet Spain in the 13th-place semi-final on Sunday.

---

Pool B

New Zealand 45-15 Italy

New Zealand reached their 13th semi-final in 16 tournaments with a comfortable win over Italy at the AIA Arena in Kutaisi, setting up a last-four showdown with France. Kane Jury’s side were forced into late changes when Mika Muliaina was ruled out through injury, with Cohen Norrie moving to fly-half and Lautasi Etuale promoted to a starting spot on the left wing.

Italy struck first when centre Giacomo Falchetto intercepted in the third minute, but New Zealand recovered swiftly. Bradley Tocker powered over after a yellow card for Italy second-row Simone Fardin, and David Lewai pounced on a handling error to race away. Italy’s imposing number eight Enoch Opoku-Gyamfi reduced the deficit to 12-10, but hooker Josh Findlay’s try from a driving maul and a superb score from halfback Charlie Sinton — set up by a wicked right-foot step from Norrie — gave New Zealand a 26-10 half-time lead.

Norrie was imperious after the break. Etuale finished a sweeping move from the fly-half’s final pass before Norrie himself dummied and dashed clear from 40 metres out. Siale Pahulu added a seventh try before David Luisato scored a consolation for Italy, who finished with 15 points from three tries.

New Zealand have now won their last 10 pool-stage matches, their best run since winning their first 13 between 2008 and 2012. Italy will face Georgia in the ninth-place semi-finals.

Scotland 43-32 Japan

Scotland secured second place in Pool B with an entertaining victory over Japan at the AIA Arena, but were pushed all the way by a spirited Japanese side who trailed by just four points with a minute remaining.

Fergus Pringle’s side started in blistering fashion, with scrumhalf Matthew Fick scuttling over inside three minutes before Dan Kelly and Ollie Blyth-Lafferty also crossed to make it 19-0 inside the opening quarter. Japan hit back through Koshi Tsumura before hooker Joe Roberts — scoring his third try in two games — secured the bonus point shortly after the half-hour mark. Sota Miura replied for Japan to leave it 26-15 at the break.

The second half was a rollercoaster. Japan scored through Shinnosuke Uchida and Isa Fukada either side of the hour mark to close within two points at 31-29, but Scotland steadied through Jamie McAughtrie and Alex Bryden. A Japanese penalty made it 36-32 with time running out before 17-year-old Jake Dalziel settled the match with a long-range intercept try in the final minute, denying Japan a losing bonus point.

Scotland will face Argentina in the fifth-place semi-finals on Sunday, while Japan take on USA in the 13th-place bracket.

---

Pool C

England 40-38 Argentina

Four-time champions England hung on for a dramatic victory against Argentina at the Avchala Stadium to clinch top spot in Pool C and a semi-final with defending champions South Africa. It was their fifth successive pool-stage victory over Los Pumitas at the Junior World Championship, but this was the closest of the lot.

Argentina struck first through their inspirational captain Tomás Dande, who broke from deep for a superb opener. England hit back through Will Knight and James Pater before Argentina lost centre Benjamín Ordiz Yujnovsky to a 20-minute red card for an illegal clear-out. Manuel Cuneo Camargo’s maul try kept Los Pumitas in touch, but Jimmy Staples and Aiden Ainsworth-Cave crossed either side of half-time as England established a 35-12 lead.

Then came one of the comebacks of the tournament. Bautista Lescano and the prolific Simón Pfister — the tournament’s leading try-scorer with seven — both crossed twice as Argentina scored 21 unanswered points to close within two at 40-38, aided by yellow cards to England pair Elliot Williams and Will Knight. Los Pumitas went through multiple phases with time up on the clock but England held firm to claim a nail-biting victory.

Argentina finished second in Pool C with 12 points and will face Scotland in the fifth-place semi-finals.

Ireland 73-22 USA

Ireland made it third time lucky to finish the pool stage on a high against USA at the Avchala Stadium, running in 11 tries in a comprehensive victory. Charlie O’Shea and new cap Seán David Walsh both scored hat-tricks as Andrew Browne’s side, who had lost to England and Argentina in their first two matches, cut loose.

Scrumhalf Christopher Barrett opened the scoring inside two minutes and half-back partner O’Shea claimed a first-half treble, with Walsh touching down twice and Rob Carney also crossing as Ireland built a commanding 45-3 interval lead. Walsh completed his hat-trick after the break, with Adam Cooper, Daniel Ryan and Jack Deegan also getting on the scoresheet. Ulster’s Daniel Green impressed from the tee with nine conversions for a 23-point haul.

USA hit back with improved second-half scores from Finnian Love, Joseph Sarkees and Leo Keesler-Venables. Ireland lost winger Charlie Molony to a second yellow card — later upgraded to red — in the final quarter, but still claimed the final score through Deegan.

Ireland’s third-place finish in Pool C means they move to the ninth-to-12th place bracket, where they will face Fiji on Monday. USA will take on Japan in the 13th-place semi-finals.

---

Pool D

France 34-29 Australia

Three-time champions France secured their ninth semi-final appearance after edging out Australia in an enthralling Pool D decider at the AIA Arena in Kutaisi. Les Bleuets made it three wins from three — all with bonus points — to complete a perfect 15-point pool stage and set up a last-four showdown with New Zealand.

Treyvon Pritchard gave Australia an early lead with a trademark finish in the second minute, and the Queensland Reds star was outstanding throughout with 11 tackle busts and close to 200 metres gained. But France’s response was emphatic once Australia second-row Toby Brial was sin-binned in the 16th minute. Captain Lucas Andjisseramatchi scored twice either side of a try from winger Melvyn Rates as Les Bleuets scored 19 points during Brial’s absence to lead 22-12 at half-time, with Luca Cleverley’s try keeping Australia in touch.

Hooker Gabin Garault and scrumhalf Baptiste Tilloles extended France’s advantage after the break. Wallace Charlie and Edwin Langi both crossed for Australia, but a second yellow card — this time for lock Will Ross for collapsing a maul — cost the Junior Wallabies dearly. France held on despite Australia’s late surge, with centre Bastien Rasal’s decisive turnover in the final moments sealing the victory.

“Without intensity, it is very difficult to win this type of match,” said captain Andjisseramatchi. “We were able to raise our level of intensity and respond in the physical contest.” Australia will face Wales in the fifth-place semi-finals.

Fiji 29-26 Spain

Fiji claimed an historic victory to leapfrog Spain at the foot of Pool D in a compelling contest at the AIA Arena. The Flying Fijians had not won a Junior World Championship pool match since beating Samoa in the 2012 tournament in South Africa — a run of 18 consecutive defeats — but they produced a stirring fightback to down a spirited Spain side.

Spain started brilliantly. Winger Pelayo Serrano put his side ahead before a penalty try and a yellow card for Fiji hooker Ratu Osea Dasalusalu opened up a 12-0 advantage. But Fiji responded through Francis Peters before the dynamic Isoa Koroinawai produced a quickfire double either side of half-time to bring the scores level.

Hooker Iván Farace’s try put Spain back ahead at 23-17 before the game’s decisive moment — a yellow card for Spain centre Oriol Marsinyac for a deliberate knock-on. Fiji took full advantage as Dasalusalu crashed over, with Isikeli Bari Ratu’s conversion edging them in front for the first time, before Sailosi Taka extended the lead. Spain’s Malakai Hafoka kicked a late penalty to set up a tense finale, but Fiji’s defence held firm to seal a memorable win.

Fiji will face Ireland in the ninth-place semi-finals on Monday, while Spain take on Uruguay in the 13th-place bracket on Sunday.

---

Semi-final and play-off fixtures

Sunday 12 July — Avchala Stadium, Tbilisi:

5th-place semi-final: Scotland v Argentina (18:00) | 5th-place semi-final: Wales v Australia (20:30)

Sunday 12 July — AIA Arena, Kutaisi:

13th-place semi-final: Spain v Uruguay (18:00) | 13th-place semi-final: Japan v USA (20:30)

Monday 13 July — Avchala Stadium, Tbilisi:

Semi-final: France v New Zealand (18:00) | Semi-final: South Africa v England (20:30)

Monday 13 July — AIA Arena, Kutaisi:

9th-place semi-final: Italy v Georgia (18:00) | 9th-place semi-final: Ireland v Fiji (20:30)

France and Australia both make sweeping changes after dominant opening-round victories as they look to tighten their grip on Pool D at the AIA Arena in Kutaisi on Thursday.

The fixtures

France v Spain — AIA Arena, Kutaisi | Thursday 2 July | 13:00 local (11:00 CEST, 09:00 GMT)

Australia v Fiji — AIA Arena, Kutaisi | Thursday 2 July | 15:30 local (13:30 CEST, 11:30 GMT, 21:30 AEST)

---

France v Spain

France underlined their credentials for a fourth Junior World Championship title with a commanding 45-15 win over Fiji on Saturday and have responded by making 11 changes to their starting XV — a demonstration of the squad depth at Cédric Laborde’s disposal.

Only flanker Raphaël Audebert, captain Lucas Andjisseramatchi, winger Hugo Avogadro and centre Bastien Rasal are retained. Hooker Gabin Garault, who was one of five players across the tournament to score a hat-trick of tries in the opening round, is among the France players rested completely.

The first row is entirely renewed, with Edouard-Junior Jabea Njocke, Yanis Basse and Zak Price earning starts. Alban Portat and Léo Michaux form a new second-row partnership, while Lilian Baret comes in at number eight. The half-back pairing of Valentin Hutteau and Luka Keletaona — the highly-rated fly-half who moved to Toulon from Brive earlier this year — is an entirely new combination that has never started together under the French jersey. In the back three, Melvyn Rates starts at fullback with Paul Cellio Zwiler and Diego Mascarenc providing fresh legs on the wings.

France have won both of their previous meetings with Spain at the Junior World Championship with almost identical scorelines exactly one year apart — 49-12 on 29 June 2024 and 49-11 on 29 June 2025. Les Bleuets have won nine of their last ten pool matches in the tournament since their return in 2023 and are unbeaten in their last five, a record matched only by New Zealand.

Spain coach Ricardo Martinena has made seven changes to the side beaten 90-22 by Australia on Saturday. In the front row, Solomon Ibeoba comes in at tighthead prop while Max Artigas and Unax Carballo earn starts in the second row. Bosco Vilallonga takes over at number eight from Marçal Carreras, who hands over the captaincy duties to centre Marcos López.

Mateo Antem takes the reins at fly-half with test-capped Oriol Marsinyac coming in at centre and Malakai Hafoka at fullback. Marsinyac, the versatile back who made his senior Spain debut in the Rugby Europe Championship earlier this year, scored a double off the bench against Australia and could be Los Leones’ most dangerous weapon.

Spain have won just once in their last 11 matches at the Junior World Championship, though their most recent defeat to a European nation came by just a single point — a 38-37 loss to Ireland in 2025. They showed remarkable bravery to keep fighting against Australia despite conceding 90 points, earning a bonus point through four tries, and Martinena will demand the same competitive spirit against France.

France: 15 Melvyn Rates, 14 Hugo Avogadro, 13 Diego Mascarenc, 12 Bastien Rasal, 11 Paul Cellio Zwiler, 10 Luka Keletaona, 9 Valentin Hutteau; 1 Edouard-Junior Jabea Njocke, 2 Yanis Basse, 3 Zak Price, 4 Alban Portat, 5 Léo Michaux, 6 Raphaël Audebert, 7 Lucas Andjisseramatchi (capt), 8 Lilian Baret. Replacements: 16 Elia Masi, 17 Mathéo Frisach, 18 Alexandre Langlois, 19 Romeo Bonnard Martin, 20 Bobby Bissu, 21 Baptiste Tilloles, 22 Diego Jurd, 23 Drault.

Spain: 15 Malakai Hafoka, 14 Telmo Fisher, 13 Marcos López (capt), 12 Oriol Marsinyac, 11 Pelayo Serrano, 10 Mateo Antem, 9 Bernat Fernández; 1 Daniel Chico, 2 Iván Farace, 3 Solomon Ibeoba, 4 Max Artigas, 5 Unax Carballo, 6 Miguel Narvarte, 7 Unax Salvador, 8 Bosco Vilallonga. Replacements: 16 Mauro del Campo, 17 Joan Barcenilla D’Onghia, 18 Daniel Navarro, 19 Rocky Kennealy, 20 Manex Pujana, 21 Manuel Vázquez, 22 Jorge Garreta, 23 Mateo Aragón.

Referee: Christopher Allison (South Africa)

---

Australia v Fiji

Australia head coach Chris Whitaker has made 10 changes to the team that produced the Junior Wallabies’ highest-ever points total in a Junior World Championship match — a 14-try, 90-22 demolition of Spain on Saturday.

Brumbies back-rower Eli Langi captains the side, taking over from the rested Tom Robinson. Marshall Le Maitre slots into openside flanker and Isaac Fonua starts at number eight, with Toby Brial named in the second row alongside the retained William Ross. Lehopoame Leota, who made his debut off the bench after arriving from Racing 92, comes into the starting side at tighthead prop, with Jacob Job and Ewald Kruger retaining their front-row spots.

Zach Fittler was a late inclusion against Spain after Tom Farr-Jones was ruled out due to illness, and made the most of his opportunity by scoring two tries from the bench to earn a starting berth in midfield against Fiji. Farr-Jones — the nephew of Australia’s Rugby World Cup 1991 winning captain Nick — has recovered to start on the wing. Wallace Charlie moves to fullback after Chayse Geros suffered a tournament-ending ankle injury against Spain, with the young Brumby set to fly home for surgery in the coming days. Hooker John Grenfell and prop Matthew Sauao are poised for their Junior World Championship debuts from the bench.

“We were pleased with the performance in our first match against Spain, but our aim is to continue to get better as we progress through the tournament,” said Whitaker. “We know Fiji will pose a tough challenge and being able to rotate through the squad gives us some fresh legs which we believe will help. We’re looking forward to another opportunity on Thursday to show who we are as a team.”

The Junior Wallabies have won each of their four previous matches against Fiji at the Junior World Championship, scoring more than 45 points in every encounter. The two sides also met earlier this year in April, with Australia taking a 55-21 win in Coffs Harbour.

Fiji, back on the Junior World Championship stage for the first time since 2024, make several changes following the 45-15 loss to France in which discipline was their undoing — three yellow cards and a high penalty count undermining their efforts. Props Marika Koroi and Jehoshua Paul Serupepeli Ratulomai earn starts along with flanker Savenaca Qabale and number eight Ratu Epeli Roseruvakula, who scored a late consolation try against France. In the backline, Cale Maurice is named at fly-half while Sailosi Vodonaivalu Taka and Tevita Vuniwaqa Ledua form a new centre partnership and Netani Immanuel Shane Lesimaikimatuku lines up at fullback.

Coach Andrew Tui Osborne is seeking a major improvement in discipline from his players. “Our main focus this week is improving that discipline and accuracy,” he said. “If we reduce those penalties, keep possession and execute well, we’ll play the brand of rugby we’re capable of.”

Australia: 15 Wallace Charlie, 14 Tom Farr-Jones, 13 Zach Fittler, 12 Treyvon Pritchard, 11 Taione Taka, 10 Finn Mackay, 9 Sam Blank; 1 Jacob Job, 2 Ewald Kruger, 3 Lehopoame Leota, 4 William Ross, 5 Toby Brial, 6 Eli Langi (capt), 7 Marshall Le Maitre, 8 Isaac Fonua. Replacements: 16 John Grenfell, 17 Matthew Sauao, 18 Edwin Langi, 19 Kenneth Harris, 20 TJ Talaileva, 21 Angus Grover, 22 Jonty Fowler, 23 Charlie Bird.

Fiji: 15 Netani Immanuel Shane Lesimaikimatuku, 14 (from wider squad), 13 Sailosi Vodonaivalu Taka, 12 Tevita Vuniwaqa Ledua, 11 (from wider squad), 10 Cale Maurice, 9 (from wider squad); 1 Marika Koroi, 2 (from wider squad), 3 Jehoshua Paul Serupepeli Ratulomai, 4 (from wider squad), 5 (from wider squad), 6 Savenaca Qabale, 7 (from wider squad), 8 Ratu Epeli Roseruvakula. Full line-up from the wider squad.

---

Pool D outlook

France and Australia are overwhelming favourites to secure comfortable victories and set up a blockbuster final-round clash on 7 July that will determine who tops the pool and advances to the semi-finals. Both sides produced record-breaking performances in Round 1 and their wholesale rotations reflect the confidence of coaching staffs who trust their depth to get the job done.

The real intrigue in Thursday’s matches lies in Spain’s and Fiji’s capacity to compete. Spain’s resilience was a feature of their campaign last year — pushing Ireland to a single point in their 11th-place play-off — and Martinena’s tactical changes, particularly the introduction of Marsinyac in midfield, suggest Los Leones will not simply roll over against France. Fiji’s discipline will be the decisive factor against Australia; if Osborne’s side can cut the penalty count and retain possession, they have the individual talent to trouble the Junior Wallabies.

The pool picture is clear: the France-Australia showdown on 7 July looms as the match that will settle the semi-final berth. Thursday is about building momentum and managing squads ahead of that decisive encounter.

Round 3 fixtures — Tuesday 7 July: France v Australia (18:00 local) | Spain v Fiji (20:30 local) — AIA Arena, Kutaisi