That is odd.
Usually the pool seeding go differently and the 3rd and 4th placed teams share a pool (i.e. South Africa, Argentina). Doesn't affect us though either way.
Yep. Suddenly
the format changes :
The teams taking part in the premier age-grade tournament have been divided into three pools of four with the medallists from 2019 the top seeds in France, runners-up Australia and bronze medallists South Africa.
Then, in order to ensure a split of two northern and two southern hemisphere teams in each pool, the remaining teams have been seeded and placed accordingly in a snake format. The team promoted from the World Rugby U20 Trophy (JAPAN) is considered a southern hemisphere team.
The pool matches will be played in Verona’s brand new Payanini Center, Viadana’s Stadio Sergio Zaffanella and Peroni Stadium in Calvisano, home of the reigning Italian national champions.
While Verona will host matches for the first time, Viadana, Parma and Calvisano did so when Italy last hosted the U20 Championship in 2015 and all three will stage the play-off rounds.
The 3-pool format has always been an abomination but now they're doing seedings on a whim.
Someone put their thumb on the scale. Usual rugby shenanigans.