Five Warriors selected for Scotland U20 showdown with New Zealand

Ollie McKenna and Alex Bryden both start the Pool C encounter, joining co-captain Joe Roberts and second-row Dan Halkon in the starting XV.

McKenna is handed the number one jersey having not featured in the matchday 23 for Scotland’s thrilling 38-32 victory over Italy, whilst Bryden earns his first start of the tournament after appearing from the replacements bench last time out.

Roberts continues as co-captain from hooker, with Halkon retaining his place in the second row following the opening-round clash in Kutaisi. Jackson Rennie is once again named on the bench.

Scotland will take on New Zealand looking to build on their opening performance, with kick-off scheduled for Wednesday afternoon.

Scotland U20 team to play New Zealand in 2026 World Rugby Junior World Championship on Thursday 2 July in Kutaisi, Georgia (kick-off 3pm BST – live on Premier Sports and RugbyPass TV):

1. Ollie McKenna
2. Joe Roberts (C)
3. Ollie Blyth-Lafferty
4. Alfie Blackett
5. Dan Halkon
6. Christian Lindsay
7. Jack Utterson
8. Harvey Preston
9. Asa Stewart Harris
10. Jake Dalziel
11. Nairn Moncrieff
12. Alex Bryden
13. Henry Kesterton
14. Daniel Kelly
15. Rory McHaffie

    Replacements

16. Jamie McAughtrie
17. Will Pearce
18. Jackson Rennie
19. Sam Byrd
20. Oliver Finlayson-Russell
21. Mathew Fick
22. Ross Wolfenden
23. Campbell Waugh