England got the defence of their Under 20s World Cup title off to an impressive start this week with an emphatic 59-7 victory over returnees Japan, while Ireland secured a dramatic last minute win over Argentina.
The competition kicked off on Tuesday and saw easy opening wins for New Zealand who beat Scotland 68-10 and South Africa who saw off hosts Italy 33-5.
England – coached by former player Jon Callard – wasted little time in hitting form as they scored early tries through George Perkins and Jack Walker. They went on to score seven more as 19 year-old Bath fly-half Rory Jennings slotted seven conversions.
Ireland waited until the very last minute to secure their opening day victory over Argentina. Trailing 16-15 with seconds to spare, Tomas Quinlan brilliantly kicked a difficult touchline penalty to sink the Pumas.
Elsewhere, Wales suffered a 19-10 defeat to an impressive French outfit in Calvisano. Bordeaux winger Lucas Blanc finished off an excellent length of the field team try before Jarrod Evans bagged a late consolation try for the Welsh.
View all match highlights from Day One
Ireland vs Argentina
France vs Wales
Australia vs Samoa
South Africa vs Italy
New Zealand vs Scotland
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