Italians seek best ever finish but Wales stand in their way

LAST year’s winners New Zealand face South Africa in the bronze medal match prior to today’s final.

Argentina face Australia for a chance of fifth place, while Italy will look to consolidate a strong campaign against Wales, having beaten the Welsh for the first time at this level in March.

The Azzurrini narrowly missed out on a semi-final spot, and then were beaten by Australia in their playoff clash, despite a fine hat-trick from winger Giovanni D’Onofrio.

They will now take on Wales, whom they beat 18-7 in Colwyn Bay during the U20s Six Nations, to try to secure seventh place which would be their bestever result at this level.

Wales opened their campaign with a good win over Australia, but they struggled in their play-off clash with Argentina, going down 39-15.

Elsewhere, Scotland take on Georgia in the battle for ninth spot, while Ireland will face Japan in the 11th place play-off with the losers dropping into next year's World Rugby U20s Trophy.

Meanwhile, World Rugby has awarded the World Rugby U20 Championship 2019 hosting rights to Argentina.

Argentina hosted the event in 2010 and Rosario and Santa Fe will once again host the future stars of rugby.

World Rugby chairman Bill Beaumont said: “Argentina is a passionate rugby nation and we are impressed with their plans to provide an outstanding environment for teams and a strong legacy programme.”