The Junior Springboks are the winners of the u.20 Rugby Championship. (Photo: X/Springbok)
The showdown against New Zealand may have ended in a 29-all draw in Gqeberha, but the Junior Springboks did enough to hold up the silverware.
The young South Africans needed just one additional scoring point in the run-up to the match to clinch the u.20 Rugby Championship and Samuel Badenhorst made sure of it with the home team’s fourth try just after the break.
The young Boks finish the tournament with 13 points, followed by New Zealand (8 points), Argentina (7 points) and Australia (7 points).
Even in the absence of a star like Markus Muller, the South Africans have more than enough hitting power to catch any defensive line off guard.
Akahluwa Boqwana scored two tries in the matchup, while flyhalf Yaqeen Ahmed undoubtedly has a very good rugby brain.
Akahlulwa Boqwana finds his way through the All Blacks defence ????????????
???? Stream #TRCU20 on DStv: https://t.co/0P0NNhnwKw pic.twitter.com/Hj09G3U7LJ
— SuperSport Rugby (@SSRugby) May 9, 2026
But as usual, it is the forwards who lay the foundation for the back line to frolic and strong men like Liam van Wyk, Danie Kruger and Rambo Kubheka deserve a pat on the back for their solid scrum work.
Captain Riley Norton also played a cracking game and he certainly led the team on the playing field by his example. He is not afraid of hard work and he also excelled with one or two good runs.
Yes, there were still a few hiccups – the Kiwis sometimes made things difficult at the breakdown points and other times poor handling stunted promising attacks – but overall this was one of the most enjoyable tie-breaks to watch.
“I love the guys and there is incredible energy in the group. However, this success is not the end of our road – it is now shoulder to wheel for the U20 World Championship in Georgia,” said Norton.
The Juinior Boks get their hands on the 2026 #TRCU20 trophy ????????????#SSRugby pic.twitter.com/0Hcnct74zC
— SuperSport Rugby (@SSRugby) May 9, 2026
South Africa: Tries: Akahluwa Boqwana (2), Rambo Kubheka and Samuel Badenhorst. Goals: Yaqeen Ahmed (3). Penalty: Ahmed.
New Zealand: Tries: Dane Johnston, Ollie Guerin, Caleb Woodley, Finn McLeod and a penalty try. Goal kick: Cohen Norrie.
- South Africa: 13 points
- New Zealand: 8 points
- Argentina: 7 points
- Australia: 7 points