The Junior Boks celebrate their U20 Championship win after a tough clash with New Zealand in Rovigo, Italy. Source image: SA Rugby
The Junior Springboks are world champions again! South Africa’s U20 rugby team brought the trophy home after a tense 23-15 victory over New Zealand in the final of the U20 World Championship in Rovigo, Italy. The win marks SA’s first title in this tournament since 2012.
It wasn’t easy. The New Zealanders camped near the SA tryline for long stretches, but the Junior Boks held firm. Head coach Bafana Foote praised his team’s fierce defensive effort, saying their refusal to break under pressure showed true South African spirit.
Foote, who took over the coaching reins at the end of 2023, said the journey with this group of players has been unforgettable. He spoke of their growth since they first gathered in December and how proud he was to see them raise the trophy.
Captain Riley Norton, who led by example, said the wet ball and sweltering humidity made handling difficult. Still, he credited their Stellenbosch training for preparing them well for Italy’s summer heat. He dedicated the win to supporters back home.
The undefeated champs will return to South Africa on Monday, landing in Johannesburg before heading back to their provincial teams.
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