World Rugby U20 Trophy 2024 Preview Round 3 – Japan vs Scotland & Hong Kong China vs Samoa

The third and final pool round of the World Rugby U20 Trophy tournament in Edinburgh sees the Asian sides in Pool A in action on Friday 12th July 2024, with Hong Kong China playing Samoa in search of a first win, and Japan facing Scotland to determine who tops the pool and heads to the final.

Feature Photo by Ross Parker / SNS Group

Both Japan and Scotland are chasing the top spot in Pool A and the victor on Friday will head to the final (1^st place play-off), something both sides have made clear is their goal and both had handsome wins in their opening two games. The two sides have only ever faced each other once which was in Japan in 2009 and the Scots enjoyed a narrow win.

Scotland Head Coach Kenny Murray said: “I have been impressed with the performances the guys have put in over the past two games and it is vital that we continue to build on these going into Friday’s game. Japan are a dynamic and fast team that have also had some big scores against their opponents, but we are ready for the challenge and are looking forward to getting back out on the pitch for our final pool match.”

Scotland finished bottom of the U20 Men’s Six Nations with five defeats from five in 2024 but scored more than 100 points in their wins over Samoa and Hong Kong China.

Samoa and Hong Kong China have both suffered at the hands of Scotland and Japan in this tournament with the Pacific Islanders enjoying a slight 4 points difference advantage. The sides have faced each other twice previously which included last year when Samoa won 30-27.

The loser of this clash will likely face Kenya in the 7th place playoff with the winner facing the 3rd team in Pool B for the 5th place playoff, and that opposition is still still to be determined.

Siân Moore, who is HKCR Head of Performance Pathways, said “We’re looking forward to the physical confrontation that Samoa’s game is based around. It’s a target game for us and will be a real marker to see our progress within 12 months.”

Following the final group games, play-off games on Wednesday 17 July will determine the final standings.

Results:

• Hong Kong China 19-39 Samoa (HKCR will play Kenya for 7th place)
• Japan 10-46 Scotland (Japan will play Uruguay for 3rd place)

Photo Credit: HKCR

Matchday Squads World Rugby U20 Trophy 2024 Round 3

Hong Kong China Matchday Squad vs Samoa

Japan Matchday Squad vs Scotland

Scottish Squad vs Japan

Head Coach Kenny Murray has reverted to the same starting XV that heavily defeated Samoa U20 in round one.

How To Watch The World Rugby U20 Trophy 2024

Matches at the World Rugby U20 Trophy can be watched anywhere in the world for free on RugbyPass TV.

World Rugby added that matches can be viewed via local broadcast partners BBC Alba for Scotland matches and the Japan Rugby Football Union for Japan’s matches. A two-hour delay will apply in the UK for all Scotland matches as well as the third place play-off and final.

International Rugby Tournaments 2024

• 2024 World Rugby U20 Trophy – Teams & Fixtures Guide.
• World Rugby U20 Trophy 2024 Preview – Japan U20 vs HKCR U20.
• World Rugby U20 Trophy 2024 Preview Round 2 – Japan vs Samoa & HKCR vs Scotland.
• WXV 2024 Details Confirmed – WXV 3 Heads Back To Dubai.