Junior Boks vs England U20 Semi Final Tips - 13 July
Junior Boks face England U20 in the U20 Championship semi-final at Avchala Stadium, Tbilisi on Monday 13 July.
- Junior Boks face England U20 in the marquee semi-final at Avchala Stadium, Tbilisi on Monday 13 July, kicking off at 18:30 SAST (20:30 local).
- South Africa went through Pool A unbeaten with a plus 144 points difference, the best of any side, while England topped Pool C also unbeaten.
- South Africa beat this same England side 32-22 in last year's pool stage before going on to win the title, and we are backing them to win again and cover the handicap.
This is the tip of the week. The Junior Boks have not dropped a game in Georgia and now stand one win away from defending the title they won in Italy last July. England are unbeaten too and dangerous, but we are backing South Africa to see off the reigning form side of Pool C and book a return trip to the final.
The Pick Card
Prices from Hollywoodbets, Betway and Easybet. 18+. T&Cs apply.
| Selection | Bookmaker | Odds | Stake | Operator CTA |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| South Africa to win | Hollywoodbets | @1.70 (indicative) | 3 Units | Bet here |
| South Africa handicap -4.5 | Betway | @1.90 (indicative) | 2 Units | Bet here |
| Over 47.5 total points | Easybet | @1.80 (indicative) | 1 Unit | Bet here |
The Form Line
The Junior Boks have been the most ruthless side in the tournament, winning Pool A with a 104-7 opening statement against Uruguay, following it up with a 33-5 win over hosts Georgia, and closing out with a 52-33 win over Wales that was more contest than the scoreline first suggests. A points difference of plus 144 across three pool games is the best of any side left in Georgia.
England have matched South Africa's unbeaten record, topping Pool C with wins over Ireland, a 68-40 defeat of the United States, and a hard fought victory in the winner takes all Pool C decider against Argentina. Steve Titterrell's side have scored freely but have also shipped points in bunches, a pattern that will worry them against this Junior Boks pack.
Head to Head
| Year | Competition | Result |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | U20 Championship, Pool A | South Africa 32-22 England |
| 2024 | U20 Championship, Pool A | England 17-12 South Africa |
South Africa beat the reigning champions England 32-22 in last year's pool stage in Italy, coming from 14 points down to win, before going on to lift the title. England had the win the year before on home soil advantage in Cape Town. The recent head to head is basically split, but the Junior Boks own the more recent, more meaningful result.
Verdict
The Junior Boks arrive at this semi-final as the form side of the whole tournament, unbeaten with the best points difference in the draw and a recent win over this exact opponent to lean on. England will make it physical and will score their own tries, but South Africa's set piece and their bench firepower should be the difference in Tbilisi. This is our most confident pick of the week, South Africa to win and cover the handicap, with the winner facing France or New Zealand in Friday's final.
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