Italian and Georgian Rugby have continued to show their growth. This time it was the two country’s U20 sides who stepped up. 

Facing the daunting task of taking on a much-heralded South African U20 side, the Italians pummelled their physical hosts. 

Defeating the Baby Boks 34 – 26, Italy proved why so many are excited about the future of Italian Rugby over the coming decade. 

Matching the physical challenge that the South African laid down, Italy were clinical throughout the contest as they rebounded from their heavy opening-round loss to Argentina. 

The result comes just a week after South Africa struggled to put away Georgia and now has the hosts on the edge of missing out on qualification for the semi-finals. 

Currently joint on five points with both Italy and Argentina, who today lost to Georgia. South Africa knows that a win over Argentina is a non-negotiable in round three. 

For Italy, a bonus point win over Georgia could see them to a historic first-ever World Rugby U20 Championship. 

Whilst the Azzuri’s win was significant, Georgia’s comprehensive defeat of Argentina was a real statement of intent from the tier two nation. 

Continually knocking on the Six Nations door for inclusion to European Rugby’s top table, results like this prove that the depth of players in the country continues to improve. 

Not only did Georgia defeat an Argentine team who, a week earlier, thumped Italy, but they held them scoreless. 

As touched on above, Georgia are now in with a chance to qualify for the semi-finals should they defeat Italy in their crunch clash. 

Should either Italy or Georgia qualify ahead of South Africa and Argentina, it will be a significant nod towards the exceptional growth of the sport around the world.