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

Marc Thomas

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Last updated: 08 Jul 2023

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Marc Thomas 08 Jul 2023

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Watch Ireland U20 vs South Africa U20 in the World Rugby U20 Championship on Sunday (16:30 SAST)
Ireland are unbeaten in their last 8 games
Can the hosts produce the goods in the semi?

Expired

Ireland can reach final (Getty Images)

Ireland U20 vs South Africa U20 Preview

Ireland are clear favourites for this semi-final against the hosts. They have impressed while South Africa have failed to really produce anything of substance. I am backing Ireland to cover the -8 handicap with ease.

Ireland U20 vs South Africa U20 Preview
Head to Head
Ireland U20 Form
Ireland U20 Team News
South Africa U20 Form
South Africa U20 Team News

Ireland have won 7 of their last 8 matches.
Ireland are unbeaten in their last 8 matches.
South Africa lost to Italy in the group stage.

Head to Head

These sides have not met this year.

Ireland U20 Form

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 U20 Team News

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 U20 Form

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.

South Africa U20 Team News

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.

Verdict

Ireland U20 v South Africa U20

Ireland are backed to dominate and cover the -8 handicap.

Ireland -8

Handicap

@-109.89 - 5 Units

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