Junior Boks Crowned Champions After New Zealand Fightback Ends In Gqeberha Thriller

The Junior Springboks celebrated a historic moment in Gqeberha on Saturday after securing their first-ever Under-20 Rugby Championship title.

South Africa sealed the crown despite being held to a thrilling 29-29 draw by New Zealand Under-20 in a dramatic clash packed with momentum swings and late tension.

Heading into the match needing only a single log point to wrap up the title, the Junior Boks got the job done early in the second half when Samuel Badenhorst crossed for their fourth try. That crucial bonus point proved enough to secure top spot on 13 points, with New Zealand finishing second on eight.

Junior Boks Dominate Early Before New Zealand Rally

South Africa looked sharp from the opening whistle as flyhalf Yaqeen Ahmed slotted an early penalty to get the scoreboard moving. New Zealand hit back through prop Dane Johnston, but fullback Akahluwa Boqwana restored the hosts’ advantage after a slick attacking move.

The visitors then turned the pressure up with tries from Ollie Guerin and captain Caleb Woodley to open up a 15-8 lead midway through the first half.

The Junior Boks responded strongly. Prop Rambo Kubheka powered over from a rolling maul before Ahmed levelled matters at 15-15. Boqwana then grabbed his second try of the afternoon following brilliant work from replacement Vusi Moyo, helping South Africa take a 22-15 lead into halftime.

Late Drama Can’t Stop South Africa’s Title Celebrations

The home side wasted no time after the restart. Just a minute into the second half, Khuthadzo Rasivhaga’s impressive take under the high ball launched an attack that ended with Samuel Badenhorst diving over in the corner.

Ahmed added the conversion as the Junior Boks stretched their lead to 29-15 — and, more importantly, secured the bonus point that guaranteed the championship.

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But New Zealand refused to fade away. Finn McLeod crashed over from a driving maul before relentless late pressure earned the visitors a penalty try after Jack Benade intentionally knocked the ball down near the try line with just three minutes remaining.

The closing moments were packed with drama as both teams searched for a winning score, but neither could break the deadlock. The final whistle confirmed a 29-29 draw — and sparked celebrations for the Junior Springboks, who lifted the Under-20 Rugby Championship trophy for the very first time.

Meanwhile, Australia Under-20 secured third place after edging Argentina Under-20 32-30 earlier in the day.