Ireland U20 vs South Africa U20 Predictions - Ireland set for World Rugby Championship final

These sides have not met this year.

Ireland won the 2023 U20 Six Nations earlier this year, beating everyone who came before them. Doing the Grand Slam was a major confidence boost ahead of the World Rugby Championship.

They began their campaign with a  thrilling 34-all draw against England before comfortably beating Australia and Fiji to qualify for the semi’s. Here they will face the hosts who shouldn’t pose too much threat to a very good Irish side.

Ireland will be at full strength for this semi. The squad is still dealing with the double tragedy last week, and who knows how this will affect these youngsters.

South Africa have faced some heavy criticism this year despite squeaking through to the semis. They struggled past Georgia in their opener, then lost to Italy before narrowly beating Argentina.

This will be a massive test for the hosts, and going by performances to date, they will struggle again. However, the talent is within the squad and should they be on it on Saturday, we could be in for a cracker.

More changes are expected as with every game thus far. The coaching staff seems to have failed to find their best side, with little balance among the loose forwards in particular.