GQEBERHA- The Junior Springboks produced a courageous fightback to secure the 2026 Under-20 Rugby Championship title after a thrilling 29-29 draw with New Zealand at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in Gqeberha on Saturday.
Backed by a passionate crowd of 18 100 spectators, the SA U20 side recovered after trailing early before taking a 22-15 halftime lead in a fast-paced and physical contest.
Junior Bok coach Kevin Foote praised his players for showing resilience under pressure and refusing to give up when momentum swung New Zealand’s way.
“We had moments where things didn’t go our way but what stood out was the fight in the group and the resilience to keep coming back,” Foote said after the match.
Foote said the team’s kicking game and physicality had improved significantly from previous encounters against the New Zealanders, although he admitted breakdown play and ball security remained areas needing attention ahead of the Junior World Cup.
Captain Riley Norton described the closing stages as tense and chaotic, saying the experience would benefit the squad in future high-pressure matches.
“Those last 10 minutes were hectic. Momentum kept swinging and that’s where you learn the most,” Norton said.
South Africa finished the tournament unbeaten on 13 points to claim the title, while both New Zealand and the Junior Boks earned bonus points after scoring four tries each.
Foote also thanked Eastern Cape supporters for turning out in numbers throughout the tournament, with more than 40 000 fans attending matches across the three rounds in Gqeberha.
Photograph: Springboks/Supplied
Leave a Reply