Junior Springboks End 13-Year Wait with Gritty 23–15 Win Over New Zealand in U20 Final
 |
| Image: SA Rugby website |
In a performance grounded in grit, discipline, and forward dominance, the Junior Springboks claimed the World Rugby Under‑20 title with a 23 15 victory over New Zealand at Stadio Mario Battaglini in Rovigo. This marked their first U20 championship win since 2012, ending a 13-year drought and reasserting South Africa's strength in youth rugby .
Defensive Steel & Set‑Piece Authority
From the kickoff, South Africa showcased their physical edge. A well‑drilled maul earned an early try in the third minute through flanker Xola Nyali, showing the team’s dominance in tight play . When New Zealand responded via a clever lineout move for Jayden Sa’s try, South Africa didn't panic. Instead, their pack grew stronger helped by a red card to Kiwi prop Sika Pole, reducing the opposition to 14 men all while maintaining unwavering defensive discipline .
Electric halfback Vusi Moyo kept the scoreboard ticking with two penalty goals, ultimately delivering 13 first‑half points that set the tone for the match .
Second Half Control & Winning Touch
New Zealand's resilience shone early in the second half, narrowing the lead to 13–8 with a penalty . Brazil Young's tactical kicking and physical forwards ensured South Africa stayed ahead. Another penalty from Moyo pushed the margin to 16–8, before scrum-half Haashim Pead delivered the decisive blow with a perfectly executed chip kick that led to Gilermo Mentoe’s final try in the 77th minute, sealing the 23–15 win .
Leadership & Legacy
Captain Riley Norton was full of emotion post-game, hailing the victory as “the greatest day of my life.” He affirmed that South Africa’s success stems from strong basics: scrums, mauls, and tackles—the nation’s rugby DNA . Head coach Kevin Foote praised the team's unit, mindset, and ironclad defence as the pillars of the triumph .
What It All Means
South Africa ends a 13-year wait for its second U20 title, joining the senior Boks and Blitzboks among world champions .
New Zealand, despite their effort and flair, were undone by missed discipline and a couple of crucial cards .
This victory places renewed spotlight on South Africa’s youth development as they continue nurturing the next generation of talent.
Future Outlook
With future stars showing their resilience and ability to perform on the big stage, all eyes now turn to how these Baby Boks will progress into senior rugby. Will they follow legends like Pollard and du Toit in lifting the Rugby World Cup trophy someday?
Suggestions for you:
Springboks Overwhelm Georgia 55–10 in Mbombela
South Africa Edge Past Senegal in Penalty Drama to Keep Title Defence Alive
0 Comments