New Zealand vs England U20 Predictions - England to beat New Zealand in third-place final

Brad Newcomb

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Last updated: 2 hours ago

Brad Newcomb 2 hours ago

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England have won 4 of their last 6 and scored 179 points in 4 matches.
New Zealand have 3 wins from 6 games.
England are tipped to cover the +3.5 handicap in the 3rd-place final.

England have had a solid campaign (Getty Images)

New Zealand came up short in their World Rugby U20 Championship semi-final match and can be inconsistent. England let a first half lead slip in their semi-final but have been in solid form.

England have won 4 of their last 6 games.
England have scored 179 points in 4 matches.
New Zealand have won 3 of their last 6 fixtures.

Head to Head

New Zealand have a slight edge over England, with two victories to one three meetings.

New Zealand U20 Form

New Zealand fell short against France in their 2026 World Rugby U20 semi-final match on Monday, losing 26-22 after trailing 14-12 at the break.

Earlier in the tournament, the Junior All Blacks were awarded a victory in their first match against Japan due to inclement weather after leading 38-21 before play was stopped in the second half.

They subsequently defeated Scotland 36-26 and Italy 45-15 in their remaining group stage fixtures.

New Zealand will feel unlucky not to have won their previous match and now face a tricky test against England in the third-place final this weekend, as their opponents have won four of their last six fixtures.

England U20 Form

England faced the defending champions, South Africa, in the 2026 World Rugby U20 Championship on Monday, losing 53-37 after leading 20-12 at half-time.

Before that, the English defeated Ireland 34-27, the United States 68-40, and Argentina 40-38 during the group stages.

England will have the belief they can beat New Zealand, as their opponents can be prone to inconsistent performances, and they will be out for redemption after ill-discipline hurt their chances of making the final.

Team News

New Zealand

Ethan Webber, Henry Stuart, and Finn McLeod each crossed the try line against France on Monday.

Cohen Norrie landed two conversions and Mika Muliaina slotted a penalty.

Forwards: Alani Fakava, Josh Findlay, Xavier Leota, Alexander Hewitt, Dane Johnston, James Moore, Henry Stuart, Ethan Webber, Max Fale, Johnny Falloon, Jake Frost, Kobe Brownlee, Micah Fale, Jake Hutchings, Patrick Mauga, Bradley Tocker, Caleb Woodley

Backs: Jackson Hughan, Boston Krone, Charlie Sinton, Cohen Norrie, Mika Muliaina, David Lewai, Siale Pahulu, Triumph Voice, Haki Wiseman, Lautasi Etuale, Oliver Guerin, Kele Lasaqa, Logan Williams

England

Hugh Shields scored a brace against South Africa on Monday.

Ollie Streeter, Jonny Weimann, and Tate Williams scored a try each in the match.

Hugh Shields slotted three conversions and two penalties.

Seb Kelly received a permanent red card for a headbutt and will not be available for selection.

Forwards: Aiden Ainsworth-Cave, Kealan Freeman-Price, Jerold Gorleku, Patrick Hogg, Seb Kelly, Jack Lewis, George Marsh, Freddie Ogden-Metherell, Alan Poku, Oliver Scola, Oliver Spencer, Jimmy Staples, Ollie Streeter, Sonny Tonga’uiha, Connor Treacey, Elliot Williams, Tate Williams

Backs: Finlay Cunnison, Zac Finch, Lucas Friday, Finn Keylock, Will Knight, Nick Lilley, George Newman, Tyler Offiah, James Pater, George Pearson, Hugh Shields, Jonny Weimann, Sam Winters

Verdict

New Zealand v England U20

England have solid form and are tipped to cover the +3.5 handicap in their World Rugby U20 Championship third-place final match against New Zealand.

England +3.5

Handicap

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England Win

Result

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