New Zealand U20 vs Japan U20 Predictions - New Zealand backed for huge win

Marc Thomas

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Last updated: 03 Jul 2023

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Marc Thomas 03 Jul 2023

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Watch New Zealand U20 vs Japan U20 in the World Rugby U20 Championship on Tuesday (16:00 SAST)
New Zealand need a bonus point win
Can Japan cause a shock result?

Expired

Baby All Blacks to dominate Japan (Getty Images)

New Zealand U20 vs Japan U20 Preview

New Zealand have been nowhere near their best during this tournament. They are still expected to win, and I can see them running in plenty of points. My best bet is for the New Zealanders to cover the -33 handicap.

New Zealand U20 vs Japan U20 Preview
Head to Head
New Zealand U20 Form
New Zealand U20 Team News
Japan U20 Form
Japan U20 Team News

New Zealand have won 1 of their last 2 games.
Japan have lost their last 2 matches.
Japan lost their opening match by 63 points.

Head to Head

Japan and New Zealand have not played against each other recently.

New Zealand U20 Form

New Zealand are in a tricky spot in the World Rugby Championship at the moment. They have not played like the nation that has won the most U20 titles as yet, and certainly don’t look like they will challenge for the cup this year.

In their opener, the Baby All Blacks struggled to beat Wales. To put that into context, Wales finished bottom of the U20 Six Nations this year, losing all five games.

Against France in their last encounter New Zealand never threatened an upset. The French were far superior from start to finish, winning 35-14.

New Zealand U20 Team News

New Zealand will likely rest some key players knowing they should have enough to beat Japan. The boys in black do however need to get a bonus point win.

Japan U20 Form

It is exciting for the World Rugby Championship to have a Japanese side present at the tournament. As a nation, Japan are fast growing in rugby union, and they have already shown that at youth level they have some talent.

In their first fixture, Japan were outplayed by a very good French side, losing 75-12. That was far from an embarrassment given how good the France side is.

Last week Japan ran Wales very close until the final 15 minutes of the game. Japan were within a penalty of winning at that point, but tired as Wales ran in late tries to win 41-19.