Junior Springboks clinch U20 Rugby Championship title
· The South African
The Junior Springboks secured their first-ever U20 Rugby Championship title after a 29-29 draw against New Zealand at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium on Saturday.
Having already recorded emphatic victories over Argentina and Australia earlier in the tournament, the Junior Boks entered the final clash needing just a single bonus point to clinch the title.
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Achieved their target
South Africa achieved that target early in the second half when centre Samuel Badenhorst crossed for their fourth try of the match, effectively sealing the championship despite a spirited New Zealand comeback.
The hosts looked in control after building a 29-15 lead, but the Baby Blacks fought back strongly and eventually levelled the scores late in the contest. New Zealand had an opportunity to snatch victory in the closing moments, but a penalty attempt sailed wide.
Flyhalf Yaqeen Ahmed opened the scoring for the Junior Boks with a penalty before New Zealand prop Dane Johnston replied with a maul try.
South Africa responded through fullback Akahluwa Boqwana, who finished off a slick attacking move after Badenhorst broke through the defensive line.
New Zealand regained momentum with tries from Oliver Guerin and Caleb Woodley to take a 15-8 lead midway through the first half.
The Junior Boks hit back through prop Rambo Kubheka from a rolling maul before Boqwana grabbed his second try to hand the hosts a 22-15 advantage at half-time.
Bonus point
Badenhorst’s try shortly after the restart secured the crucial bonus point and ultimately confirmed the championship for South Africa.
New Zealand, however, refused to fade away. Finn McLeod scored to reduce the deficit before pressure mounted late in the game despite the Baby Blacks being reduced to 14 men following a red card to centre Siale Pahulu for a dangerous head-high tackle.
A deliberate knock-down by the Junior Boks in the closing stages resulted in a penalty try that brought the visitors level at 29-29.
New Zealand then earned a penalty in the 79th minute that could have secured the title, but Mika Muliaina’s kick drifted wide, allowing South Africa to celebrate a historic triumph.
The result capped an impressive campaign for coach Kevin Foote and his side, although concerns remain over the condition of star centre Ethan Adams, who was stretchered off during the match ahead of the upcoming World Rugby U20 Championship.
Earlier in the day, Australia beat Argentina 32-30.
Scorers
Junior SpringboksTries: Akahluwa Boqwana (2), Rambo Kubheka, Samuel Badenhorst
Conversions: Yaqeen Ahmed (3)
Penalty: Ahmed
New ZealandTries: Dane Johnston, Ollie Guerin, Caleb Woodley, Finn McLeod, Penalty Try
Conversion: Cohen Norrie