South Africa’s U20S ended a 13-year title drought by beating New Zealand 23‑15 to win the World Rugby U20 Championship.
The Junior Springboks secured their first World Rugby U20 Championship title since 2012 with a tense but triumphant 23‑15 victory over New Zealand in Rovigo.
They became the third South African side, alongside the Springboks and Blitzboks, to claim a world champion title in 2025.
Match Recap: Junior Springboks 23-15 Junior All Blacks
South Africa drew first blood with a powerful early maul finish by flank Xola Nyali, sent over by flyhalf Vusi Moyo for a 7‑0 lead. New Zealand responded by exploiting a lineout drive that saw lock Jayden Sa score, narrowing the gap to 7‑5.
Moyo soon restored control with a penalty to stretch the margin to 10‑5. A significant break came when New Zealand’s prop Sika Pole received a yellow card for a high tackle, giving South Africa a man advantage.
Despite some tension on the field, the Junior Boks conceded a yellow card to centre Albie Bester, but they remained composed. By halftime, they led 13‑5.
New Zealand started the second half strong and slotted a penalty through fly-half Rico Simpson, tightening the score to 13‑8. South Africa responded immediately. Moyo struck another penalty, and though a Haashim Pead chip-and-kick try was disallowed, the pressure remained high.
With three minutes left, Pead redeemed himself with a scooped finish by fullback Gilermo Mentoe, stretching the lead to 23‑8, and effectively sealing the title. New Zealand added a late consolation try, but South Africa held on determinedly.
Multi-Talented Skipper Lauds Junior Springboks Fighting Spirit
Captain Riley Norton called it “the greatest day of my life”, despite having also represented South Africa at the U19 Cricket World Cup in 2024.
He praised both squad and staff members and celebrated their physicality and discipline, calling it their “DNA.”
Despite punishing conditions, he credited their Stellenbosch-based training program for preparing them for Italy’s summer heat.
“Our jerseys were drenched in sweat,” he said, “but we handled the conditions well. This win is for everyone back home.”
Norton highlighted how relentless pressure, set-piece dominance, and Moyo’s boot secured the result: “That’s our passion and our energy, from the set-piece, the maul, the scrum, the hits … Moyo’s unbelievable boot always kept us on the front foot.”
Boss Points To Defensive Superiority On Route To Title
Coach Kevin Foote praised their defensive resilience, pointing out how the team held firm during relentless Kiwi pressure.
“Defence is all about character, and there were moments when New Zealand were right on our line, but we held firm.”
He said that the collective and unwavering character of this team earned them the win. Foote also reflected on the transformation since taking over late last year.
“To see these young men grow from training in December to what they’ve achieved now is amazing,” he said.
He singled out the team’s collective presence in key moments.
“I looked at their body language, they were so present and in the moment. They had such a belief, and I’m incredibly proud of what they’ve achieved in Italy.”
The Junior Springboks are expected to arrive back in South Africa on Monday morning, landing in Johannesburg before the players return to their respective provincial unions.
