Scotland U20 have given themselves immediate breathing room in Pool B after opening their World Rugby Junior World Championship campaign with a 38-32 win over Italy U20 in Kutaisi.
Scottish Rugby’s match report confirmed a six-try performance at the AIA Arena, with debutant Dan Kelly striking inside two minutes before Jake Dalziel, Nairn Moncrieff, Rory McHaffie and Henry Kesterton helped co-captain Ross Wolfenden’s side survive a volatile Italian fightback.
A massive opening W. Dan Kelly, Rory McHaffie, Nairn Moncrieff and Henry Kesterton all among the scorers as Scotland U20 claim a 32-38 win over Italy!
— Edinburgh Rugby (@EdinburghRugby) June 27, 2026
McHaffie Gives Scotland A Decisive Edge
McHaffie’s brace was the decisive thread. His first arrived after Joe Roberts controlled possession from an attacking line-out, before the full-back later finished Henry Kesterton’s break to drag Scotland back in front after Italy had turned a 19-14 half-time deficit into a 29-24 lead.
The final swing came through Kesterton, who finished on the right after Alex Bryden’s pass and gave Dalziel the chance to land a superb touchline conversion. Italy’s late Riccardo Casarin penalty secured a losing bonus point, but Scotland left Georgia with the win and the attacking return they needed.
The result matters because World Rugby’s age-grade tournament remains a proven senior pathway, with the governing body noting that more than 1,091 Junior World Championship players have gone on to win full international caps. Scotland now face New Zealand on Thursday 2 July, a far sharper test of whether this opening burst can become a genuine pool-stage platform.
Read Scottish Rugby’s full match report and follow Read Rugby Union’s latest Scotland coverage.
