The IRB Junior World Championship kicked off in France yesterday, with defending champions South Africa looking strong, and Argentina, England, Ireland, New Zealand and Wales all winning their games. We’ve got highlights from all six matches for you.
If you were following RD on Twitter or Facebook last night you will have noted that it was quite an eventful evening in the tournament, as South Africa came close to racking up 100 points against the USA, while New Zealand beat Fiji comfortably in a game that included 2 red cards.
Below are quick match recaps from all six games, as well as links to all the highlights from the IRB. If you prefer it, you also have the option to view all the videos and info on one page.
 | In what was considered a junior version of ‘Le Crunch’, hosts France failed to score a try as England came away 30-6 victors. Captain Jack Clifford scored twice, following on from his hat-trick against France in the Six Nations earlier this year. View Highlights | |
 | Ireland were ‘over the moon’ with their 19-15 upset victory over Australia in Vannes. Last year they shocked eventual champions South Africa on the opening day, so this second big scalp will give them confidence going forward. Australia meanwhile felt they didn’t take their opportunities. View Highlights | |
 | South Africa recordered the biggest ever winning margin as they beat the USA 97-0 in La Roche-sur-Yon. They scored 16 tries in total, and came close to the elusive 100 mark at full time, but captain Ruan Steenkamp held onto a pass over the tryline. Sevens star Seabelo Senatla scored four tries. View Highlights | |
 | In the most talked about game of the day, for all the wrong reasons, Fiji had two players red carded and three yellow carded as they lost 59-6 to New Zealand. At one stage they were playing with just 11 players on the park. After some debatable decisions, the referee was booed off the park. View Highlights | |
 | The young Argentinians showed that they’re a force to be reckoned with as they were convincing 44-13 winners against Scotland, who admitted that they were hammered up front. Test capped flyhalf Patricio Fernandez scored 29 points. Argentina play Samoa next, in a match they will be favourites to win. View Highlights | |
 | Wales and Samoa opened the tournament, as the Welshmen notched up a convincing 42-3 bonus point win over the pacific islanders. They scored six tries in total and go top of Pool C, and will meet home nation rivals Scotland in their next fixture, which takes place in Nantes on Sunday. View Highlights |
On the opening day 43 tries were scored in total, but who impressed you the most?
In what was considered a junior version of ‘Le Crunch’, hosts France failed to score a try as England came away 30-6 victors. Captain Jack Clifford scored twice, following on from his hat-trick against France in the Six Nations earlier this year.
Ireland were ‘over the moon’ with their 19-15 upset victory over Australia in Vannes. Last year they shocked eventual champions South Africa on the opening day, so this second big scalp will give them confidence going forward. Australia meanwhile felt they didn’t take their opportunities.
South Africa recordered the biggest ever winning margin as they beat the USA 97-0 in La Roche-sur-Yon. They scored 16 tries in total, and came close to the elusive 100 mark at full time, but captain Ruan Steenkamp held onto a pass over the tryline. Sevens star Seabelo Senatla scored four tries.
In the most talked about game of the day, for all the wrong reasons, Fiji had two players red carded and three yellow carded as they lost 59-6 to New Zealand. At one stage they were playing with just 11 players on the park. After some debatable decisions, the referee was booed off the park.
The young Argentinians showed that they’re a force to be reckoned with as they were convincing 44-13 winners against Scotland, who admitted that they were hammered up front. Test capped flyhalf Patricio Fernandez scored 29 points. Argentina play Samoa next, in a match they will be favourites to win.
Wales and Samoa opened the tournament, as the Welshmen notched up a convincing 42-3 bonus point win over the pacific islanders. They scored six tries in total and go top of Pool C, and will meet home nation rivals Scotland in their next fixture, which takes place in Nantes on Sunday.
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